What equipment do Snowlegend guides provide for your off-piste outing? Snowlegend always provides an avalanche safety pack: avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe. We also provide a harness for moving around on the glacier. Riding equipment (skis, snowboard, helmet, boots, and airbag backpack) is not provided but can be rented directly from our Snowlegend store at special rates reserved for customers going on outings with our guides.
What equipment do you need to go freeriding in La Grave? For a freeride outing in La Grave, you will need the following equipment: Freeride skis or snowboard suited to the snow conditions and technical terrain Comfortable, high-performance boots Helmet recommended for your safety Avalanche safety kit (transceiver, shovel, probe) — provided by Snowlegend during guided outings Technical, warm, and breathable clothing suited to mountain conditions Backpack with enough space for equipment, water, and snacks Ski goggles or sunglasses for good visibility For riding equipment, you can rent skis, snowboards, splitboards, touring gear, boots, and safety equipment directly from our Snowlegend store at preferential rates. We also offer a complete range of technical clothing, goggles, and sunglasses.
What do La Grave and La Meije mean? La Grave is the name of the iconic village located at the foot of La Meije. La Meije is one of the most legendary peaks in the Alps, rising to 3,986 m. Its name comes from the Occitan word “meidjo,” which means “midday,” referring to the first ray of sunshine of the year in La Grave in mid-January.
How do I book a guide with Snowlegend? All our freeride guide packages are listed on our website. You can book directly by filling out our online booking form, where you can indicate your dates, your level, and your expectations. Once the form has been submitted, our team will respond quickly to confirm the availability of a guide, refine your program, and finalize your outing. Simple, fast, and 100% personalized.
What are the opening hours of the Snowlegend concept store? The Snowlegend store is open every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, so you can pick up your equipment the day before and enjoy our bar. The store is located on the main road, 40 meters from the cable car.
I have a gift voucher. Can one or more people accompany me? Yes, that is possible. For one-day or two-day freeride gift vouchers, participants will pay €110, €120, or €130 depending on the size of the group. For Snowlegend guide gift vouchers, there is an additional charge of €30 per person.
What is the difference between Free Touring and Ski Touring ? Free-rando is a hybrid format: we use the La Meije glacier cable cars to reach the Col des Ruillans at an altitude of 3,200 meters, then make a short climb on skins to reach virgin slopes from the Brêche des Pan de Rideaux... From 3,600 meters, descend the glacier in wilder, powdery areas to an altitude of 2,800 meters, then climb with skins to the Col du Lac at 3,100 meters to reach the Vallons de Chancel and the cable car. It’s ideal for discovering ski touring or enjoying beautiful trails without too much elevation gain. Ski touring, on the other hand, involves doing most of the ascent under your own steam, with a real high-altitude touring route. The elevation gain is greater and the experience is closer to a true immersion in the mountains. In summary: Free-rando = little climbing + lots of skiing Ski touring = full ascent + total immersion
What level of technical skill is required to ski in La Grave? La Grave is not a traditional ski resort: it is a high-altitude freeride area with no marked trails. To fully enjoy the Snowlegend experience, it is essential to: be comfortable on red or black runs. be in good physical condition to tackle long descents in all snow conditions. Our guides assess the group’s level and choose the most suitable routes to ensure safety, fluidity, and enjoyment.
When is the best time to come riding in La Grave? La Grave is open from Christmas until the end of April December–January: start of the season, often light snow, quieter crowds. February: very good snow conditions and fewer crowds during the school holidays. March: the best time for high-altitude skiing, with excellent snow cover on the glacier, snow showers, and long days. April: sunshine and excellent powder conditions on the La Girose glacier, freeriding, free-rando, splitboarding. Whatever the season, our Snowlegend guides adapt the itineraries to the conditions of the moment to guarantee safety and enjoyment.
Pourquoi choisir un guide Snowlegend pour votre sortie freeride, hors-piste à la Grave la Meije ? Our UIAGM-certified guides, specialists in La Meije for over 30 years, know every couloir and its snow conditions, every exposure and how the snowpack evolves (avalanches), and the best routes depending on snow and weather conditions. They will guide you safely across the glacier (crevasses, seracs), adapting the route to your technical level, fitness, and desires. With Snowlegend Guide, you will enjoy professional guidance, a tailor-made experience, exceptional terrain, and an authentic freeride spirit.
What is the daily elevation gain for freeriding in La Grave with Snowlegend? Over the course of a day, you will generally use the La Meije glacier cable car between 2 and 7 times. In La Grave, some descents exceed 2,000 meters in altitude, so the daily altitude difference is between 4,000 and 10,000 meters, depending on conditions, your level, and the pace of the group. Two to seven rotations of pure bliss, with the guide choosing the best conditions, offering advice, and ensuring safety. The goal: to optimize each descent to fully enjoy the exceptional terrain of the La Grave freeride area
I am a good skier, but I am a beginner when it comes to off-piste skiing. Yes, it is possible to come to La Grave. You don’t need to be an expert off-piste skier: our guides will brief you, equip you, and choose suitable routes to gradually teach you how to freeride. Recommended level: red/black runs.es]Sí, es posible venir a La Grave. No es necesario ser un experto en fuera de pista: nuestros guías te informarán, te equiparán y elegirán itinerarios adaptados para enseñarte progresivamente a evolucionar en el freeride. Nivel recomendado: pista roja/pista negra.
What should we do if the La Meije glacier cable car is closed? The cable car may close for two main reasons: Too much wind at altitude Too high a risk of avalanches in the La Grave area Don’t worry, Snowlegend always has a plan B, or even several! Our guides know the neighboring areas such as Serre Chevalier, 2 Alpes and Alpe d’Huez like the back of their hands, offering equally fantastic freeriding opportunities. Depending on the conditions, we can go ski touring or splitboarding: Col du Lautaret, Chazelet, and Col du Galibier.