SKI-ING, OFF-PISTE SKIING, ALPINE CLIMBING & ROCK CLIMBING, AT THE SKIERS LODGE LA GRAVE/LA MEIJE - LA CHAUMINE

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where is La Grave?

La Grave is in the Hautes Alpes region of France between Grenobel and Briancon on the Route N91.

When should I plan to arrive?

We book guests by the week. Our package is based on Saturday through Saturday. We open December 21st 2003 until April 26th 2004. Unless you are `Self driving´ each week commences in Grenoble (train station) where you are picked up by one of our friendly Team Chaumine Members´ and driven 1 1/2 hours into the Alps to the Lodge, arriving in time for a four course evening meal, served nightly. We will have a mini-bus available at 1800 hrs each Saturday to pick up incoming guests.

Is there a charge for transfers from Grenoble to the Lodge?

Yes, we charge 35 Euro each way for this 1 1/2 hours drive per person with our private minibus.

What about car rentals?

Depending upon your travel arrangements and the number of persons in your party, it can be less expensive to rent a car. Past guests have found by making their reservations in advance the price and convenience can be rationalized. If you choose to do this we can send detailed directions to aid your travels. Don't worry it's easy. A car is not necessary in La Grave for daily use; we supply ground transport as needed during your week stay.

What about information and arrangements in the lodge?

We will have information and a presentation of Staff and guides after Saturday night dinner. Each morning after breakfast we take one of the Lodge vans to catch the first lift as it opens. All skiers are guided at `La Chaumine´. The groups are 6 or less in number and we try to match skiing ability in each group. Every guest receives and wears an avalanche transceiver, we instruct you in its use. After skiing we assemble at one of our favorite local bars for libations and story telling.

What is the skiing and snowboarding in La Grave/La Meije like?

La grave is one of the few places worldwide, which can boast an incredible 2150m (7050ft) vertical drop. The lift ascends from the village to stations at 1800, 2400m, 3200m, and finally to3550m. A typical ski descent offers limitless variety from tame to steep terrain commencing on a vast glacier, proceeding down spectacular open bowls, winding its way through small chutes, crossing glacial morains into seemingly endless steeps and deeps in the serenity of the forest.

What kind of attitude is there on the mountain?

It is the long and varied terrain of the mountain that gives freedom to create and shape what we call a `free radical ski and surf style´. The resident off-piste skiers and local riders have adopted the attitude that each skier must take responsibility for their own safety. La Grave is not a resort adapted for skiers, here it is the skier that has to adapt to the mountain. Whether your passion is skiing, snowboarding or telemarking you cannot fail to find suitable terrain for exhilarating routes. Providing you possess an adventurous spirit you will find the ultimate in ski enjoyment.

Can we visit other ski resorts?

Absolutely. We normally take at least one-day road trip to other great resorts. Within an hour´s drive from La Grave you will find secret Off-Piste spots like Vaujany with +2000 vertical meters (+7000 feet) of adventure skiing or Serre Chevalier and Claviére with steeps, deeps and marvellous trees. Why not try the Heliskiing in Alta Val Susa (Italy). Since there are microclimates in the different resorts the guides at the The Skiers Lodge will propose day trips to the best option on a never-ending search for powder. There is also the possibility of traveling with us to other areas on a road trip for a second week if you have the desire to explore more of the Alpes. At the end of the second week we will deliver you back to airport for departure. There are great options available and we make all the arrangements. Please ask us for more information if you are interested.

Does the package include lift tickets?

NO. We have found it too complicated to include this in the package. There are times when we ski other areas or times when someone may choose not to ski for a day. Lift tickets are available from the lodge at a reduced price. We buy tickets in bulk then in turn sell them to our guests at that rate of 28 Euro

Is there any tree skiing?

Yes. From the mid-station down is almost entirely forested with no runs cut, it´s natural just like it was intended to be. Neighboring Serre Chevalier also has wonderful tree skiing, which is where we sometimes go when storm close down La Grave. Quite often the weather is completely different between the two places.

What ability level do I need to be to ski La Grave?

Although there is a lot of intermediate terrain available in La Grave, there are no groomed runs so an intermediate skier would find it difficult. You should be an aggressive advanced skier who is in good shape and wants a challenge; you would most likely have a great time. The better skier you are the more there is to explore. All of our guides are also qualified instructors that will help you make the jump to the next level. There are areas to ski that can challenge even the best skiers.

What are the sizes of the ski groups?

We limit the size of the guided groups to a maximum of six plus the guide. The groups are divided into like ability levels and we usually have five groups on any given day. All the guides are radio equipped so we can change the group if necessary during the day to accommodate someone who wants to go faster or slower. Sometimes you may just get tired and want to take a more leisurely pace, no problem.

What equipment do I need to bring?

Take your comfortable ski boots as the hand luggage and don't loose them. Bring the skis you are most comfortable with. However most of our clients rent skis, check your airline policy fee for extra luggage. La Grave ski shops have got a good selection of wider skis. Costs approx 12Euro to 15Euro per day. We ski powder much of the time but as you know, we cannot guarantee that all the time. We provide transceiver to everyone although if it feels better, bring your own. A small backpack 25 liters is advised, so you can carry some food, water, shovel and extra clothing. Ice axes, crampons, ropes, etc, are not needed unless you want to do some ice climbing or touring.

What kind of ski clothes are needed?

Most of the time light Webcamproof clothing with polar fleece to put on underneath if the temperature should drop is all you need. We make long descents that keep you warm and ride up in an enclosed gondola. Try to pack light, you really don't need to carry half your wardrobe around the world. Less is better!

Do I need additional insurance in Europe (Alpes)?

Most health insurance will cover you wherever you are at but we always recommend you check on that before hand, and in addition buy Carte Neige, which is French ski accident insurance. You may also want to check into evacuation insurance and trip insurance. This is usually not too expensive and gives you peace of mind if you for some reason have to cancel your trip on short notice or in the unlikely case of an accident.

Are there other mountain activities?

Other activities late ski season: Good weather and longer days during this period give the possibility to participate in numerous other mountain pursuits i.e. ski touring, climbing, mountain biking, parapenting, rafting etc. Our guides will be pleased to arrange any of the above. In general, cost of these activities are similar to a lift pass which means the overall cost of your vacation remains the same should you decide to take some time out from skiing.

What is Multisport?

The high altitude glaciers ensure good snow conditions all year round. April and May can yield exceptional days and powder falls are not as rare as you might imagine. Good spring snow can invariably be found down to the lift station at 1800m. As the season progresses a distinct spring atmosphere develops around the Lodge and La Grave. The beginning of April usually brings the first sightings of mountain bikes, parapentes and kayaks. This natural seasonal progression led our staff/guides to `stay on´ throughout the Spring and Summer, and participate in other mountain sports. La Chaumine offers a diverse menu of courses. Qualified instruction and experienced guides are available for climbing, alpinism, mountain biking, white water paddling sports, canyoneering, parapenting, and climbing at the level of your choice.

Is La Chaumine suitable for those travelling alone?

No problem. Already the first night you will meet friendly skiers. The next day you will share the adventure spirit with the lodge storytellers spills and thrills

When does La Chaumine - The Skiers Lodge open and close in winter season 2003 - 2004?

We open December 21st 2003 until April 26th 2004 from Saturday to Saturday.

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