La Grave ski resort, situated in the Romanche Valley, 80kms east of Grenoble, is well known in the skiing world for the spectacular 2,150m vertical drop of the Vallons de la Meije. La Grave is only for serious skiers and snowboarders but there are easier runs farther down the mountain.

La Grave is one of five villages and comes with 2,500 hotel, chalet and apartment beds. Residence des Alps is the village's top hotel, offering unrivalled views of La Meije and every conceivable amenity. La Grave also has a range of shops and a ski kindergarten as well as a pretty church.

The main reason hardened skiers and snowboarders come to La Grave is for the huge 2,150m descent of Vallons de la Meije, in soft untouched snow. Le Chazelet has two intermediate pistes and one difficult run, while Oisans has beginner slopes. There are only five ski lifts with a capacity for 450 people per hour. Additionally, there are 20kms of cross-country trails.

Other winter activities and facilities in La Grave include: ice-climbing, hiking, paragliding and snow-kiting, using wind as the only power source. The Col du Lautaret is one of the best places for kiting, at over 2,000m. The larger hotels and restaurants offer the bulk of the night-time entertainment and there are a few regular bars also.

The December to April/May ski season at La Grave has the best quality snow in early February, while cheaper weeks are offered in mid-December and from mid-March.

Lyon-Satolas is the gateway airport and there are regular buses to the city and on to Grenoble, from where buses and taxis go to La Grave ski resort. Hiring a car is the most convenient transfer option.