Rated By
- Faslyk P. Tech
- Resides In: Teton Village, WY, USA
- Disciplines: Alpine, Alpine Touring, Back Country, Cat/Heli, Nordic, Telemarker
- Years Skiing/Riding: 40
- Avg. Days Per Season: 71 - 100 days
- Read Full Profile »
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General Comments/Likes
Post 9-11 and just after the SLC Olympics, I cashed in frequent flier miles for an exceptional experience and flew on one of the last Concorde flights to Paris. I took the TGV to Grenoble and was met by Chad VanderHam of the Steep Skiing Worldwide (formerly Doug Coombs) Camp and taken to LaChoumine Ski Lodge at La Grave. A travelers adventure for sure! Not the easiest to get to, but then neither is some of the worlds best skiing!
After a slow start to the season, our group’s arrival heralded the biggest snow of the season. Sorry I can’t remember the exact amount but it measured in the hundreds of centimeters, and was pretty heavy. Hazards were high…along with the pucker factor, but the powder skiing was out of this world!!!
Doug always had a great way of conveying the feeling and effect of the terrain on the body; and, the body’s actions or reactions that made skiing such amazing terrain possible.
The guides, many with a family history in the business, really knew their business and are tremendous athletes. Don’t be surprised to find a guide who can lead a boot pack from 3000 meters (while smoking a cigarette). And trust them when they say, “noh stopping fohr zee peekneec,” as you spread out across a crevasse filled glacier.
Despite the limited on-mountain amenities, European skiing is also known for amazing on-mountain dining experiences. Huts (cabins) out in the middle of nowhere, at altitudes I cant even begin to guess, serve up the most hearty and delicious menus. Have a very good glass of wine (of course) and don’t forget to pay for your guide’s lunch!
The scenery is absolutely breathtaking and nearby full service resorts are welcome diversions offering the most modern European ski lifts and amenities. Pub life in La Grave is great for apres-ski, but everyone I was with was too wiped out each day to see if there was a nightlife.
Dislikes
Skiing with a guide in extreme terrain and/or conditions does not make you safe!!! If your fellow guests are complacent about safety, find another group to ski with if you can.
La Grave is for advanced level skiers. The elevation change 1135–3976 meters, means vastly different kinds of hazards from top to mid to valley stations. I would not recommend this to anyone less than an expert skier.
The low rating for maps and signage hurts the score, but is normal for this type of skiing. Did I mention that you will need to hire a guide?!
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