I almost don't want to tell you how good La Grave is. For sure there'll be many Natives who'll love this off-piste skiers dream...but I kinda want to keep it to myself.

Of course, I'm already too late for this. How could you keep 2150 vertical metres of unmanaged, undamaged glacial ski terrain a secret?

It was back in 1984 that Pelle Lång, a Swedish ski bum living in Chamonix, heard a rumour about this remote ski area. He came to visit and it changed his life.

Pelle now runs the Skiers Lodge, a rustic chalet located in the small village of Ventelon, 3km above La Grave. The Lodge faces south directly onto the north face of the majestic La Meije (3983m).

The brochure claims 'a truly exhilarating and ever-changing view'. This is no exaggeration. But what is most impressive about the location is that there are no hotels, no apartment blocks, no shops or supermarkets, no lifts and no 'punters'. And then there's the skiing...

The La Meije massif has one telecabine and one T bar. Between them they take you from 1400m to 3550m. Then it's you and the mountain. The area is a mass of glaciers and couloirs. The different routes are covered on the Skiers Lodge website. Levels of technical difficulty vary from 'fairly serious' to 'serious'. There are a few helpful tips as well...'as in all couloirs, do not fall!'

Fortunately the Skiers Lodge package includes guiding, from qualified UIAGM (International High Mountain Guides).

Every guest receives and wears an avalanche transceiver and is instructed in its use. Groups are limited to 5 or less to ensure a balance of ability.

If you've worked a few seasons, or are an experienced skier, and would like to extend yourself in one of the most stunning mountain environments you'll ever come across, then take a trip to La Grave. Just don't tell everyone about it...

* * *

You can find out more about The Skiers Lodge by visiting their website or emailing them. The Skiers Lodge also offers guided heliskiing trips to Valdez (Alaska), Alagna (Italy) and Låkta - Kebnekaise (Sweden), as well as alpine/rock climbing in La Grave in the summer.

Thanks to Pelle, Caroline, Mike and Noddy for their help in putting together this trip.

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