La Grave

Few places are as mythical as La Grave, a small ski resort with only 700 inhabitants. With only one ski lift, you would be forgiven for wondering what all the fuss is about. The lift is very robust, however, and it takes you straight up to the monstrous granite mountain La Meije and you now have more than two thousand meters of vertical drop in off-piste skiing.

This is not a family destination, but rather for daredevils who want to ski in waist-deep snow. The gondola lift takes you up to 3,550 meters above sea levels and you have access to a paradise of off-piste skiing over vast areas, completely without snow grooming tracks or ski safety barriers in sight.
To get the most from La Grave, it is best to book a guide, although self-guiding may be possible in the best weather conditions.

La Grave’s future is a little uncertain, however. The lease of the gondola lift expires after the 2016/2017 winter season. There have been many “final” days announced in the past though, and the lift seems to always survive somehow.