The southern Alps boasts some of the best skiing for strong intermediate to expert skiers. The Hautes-Alpes as this area is known, is home to some of the largest resorts in Europe. The expanse of terrain available to ski is mind blowing. You can spend an entire week exploring the resorts of Alpes d’Huez, la Grave, Serre Chevalier and Les Deux Alpes without ever skiing the same run twice. This is what we intend to do!
This course will have two groups. One of the groups will focus on building technique, learning tactics and logging mileage on the vast variety of terrain that the region has to offer. This group will explore the The Alpes d’Huez, descend down La Sarenne which is the world’s longest run at approx 10 miles. Explore the gladed valley of Serre Chevalier and then make their way over to Les Deux Alpes.
The second group is geared towards the adventure seeker and and providing the ultimate free-skier experience and will spend the majority of their skiing time at La Grave. La Grave is not for rookies, it has notably some of the most exciting and challenging lift served terrain in the world.
The southern Alps are known for being wild and rugged, you will not find the carefully constructed alpine charm that you would as some of Europe’s more well known resorts. Here it’s just you and the mountains. If you want to see glaciers up close, be inspired and awed by the raw and jagged faces of the mountains, feel the crisp alpine air on your face and take in the silence that comes with being at 10-12,000ft, this is your trip. If you want the rush and excitement of skiing off-piste snow, and challenging terrain with a an expceptional scenery as the backdrop for your turns, the NASTC La Grave course is for you.
La Grave is located in the most southerly aspect of the Alps. The famous Provence region is to the South, and the cities of Grenoble and Lyon lie to the west and Geneva, Switzerland to the North. The village of La Grave is different from other typical alpine villages as the buildings are made of stone. Due to the harshness of the landscape the village is constructed out of stone and built into the mountainside in a labyrinth of cascading terraces. The people that populate this little village are the locals and people who share a strong passion for the mountains, adventure, the alpine lifestyle and of course the passion for having your skis cut and float through freshly fallen snow.
Our hotel for the week is Auberge Edelweiss, a charming alpine style lodge that immediately makes you feel at home. With the traditional stonework architecture and colorful linens and furnishings you can’t help but feel warm and cozy in the relaxed and informal atompshere of the hotel. Centrally located, Hotel Edelweiss also offer exceptionally good food and an extensive wine list. Meals are served in the softly lit dining room that has a log fire roaring in the hearth every evening. Bread is baked fresh every day and seasonal local produce are the focal point in the daily selections. The Auberge Edelweiss also hosts an apres ski at the end of the day, with complimentary tapas to go with their broad selection of libations. On top of delicious food and warm hospitality , the hotel also offers a stunning panorama of La Meije from every room, a breathtaking sight at sunset.
Pricing is based on a double occupancy room (single upgrades are available) and includes breakfast and dinner daily. $4395 ground, all inclusive ski week (no airfare)
