Then February came and the following is my mission to
Europe. I began a 10 week journey to La Grave, France for one of the
best winter sessions of my life! I hope to stay longer discovering and
learning the European alps more this season. If you like the mountains
and have never been to the Apls, a trip is mandatory; it will change
your perspective of mountin travel forever. The lift access is truly
amazing and mountains are a way of life for many. I based out of La
Grave and worked as an independently contracted guide, spending most
weeks working out of The Skiers' Lodge La Grave. This lodge offers all
inclusive off-piste guided ski packages with one of the most affordable
prices and amazing guides. It's a privilege to work in this small 12th
century village with just one lift, accessing 7,200 vertical feet of
uncontrolled and un-patrolled area and a population of only 600. La
Grave is a small village with north facing terrain and south facing
pubs.
Laura came to visit me in March which was the highlight of
my stay, and it was great to be able to share it with her and great
people from all over the world. I wound up meeting up with friends old
and new. My pal, Iraitz, aslo showed me a sampling of super rock climbs
and some great times at the Refuge Promontoire this spring in the the
Parc des Ecrins, Haute Alps. Day dream...
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| Le Telepherique - cable car w/ Le Rateau . |
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| Happy Skiers ! |
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| La Meije and zone of danger |
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| Laura schralping La Voute |
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| The Village of La Grave |
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| Nice fresh wind buffed pow at Montgenevre |
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| Top of the cable car with the daunting pyramid of La Mejie behind. |
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| The mountains of the Parc des Ecrins from the Refuge Promontoire |
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| Guiding Ken and Ben on the Breche du Rateau. |
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| Laur, surfing the piston bully across to the tele-ski toward Pic de La Grave at 3500m for a 2,400m lap |
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| Laura on path to ski route La Voute 2,400m |
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| Getting some in La Voute |
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| La Voute, Laura and a very stoked guided group |
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| View off the Back Porch of Refuge Promontoire of S face of La Meije. |
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| The happy view of the upper 2,000m of Les Enfetchores. |
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| Powder fields...south side of col de la Lauze |
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| Many agreat cafe and inspiring times at The Les Ruillans /Troismilledeux Chalet |
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| 12th Century Church, incredible. |
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| Guiding and giving way too many directions. |
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| Party Time in La Grave with The Derby de La Meije Parade. |
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| With tons of
pics taken over the La Grave season, this is the mist memorable. Pro
Joe Vallone skis the Pan de Rateau NAKED for the all time score in the
game of G.N.A.R.! proud send Joey! |
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| The sun sets on La Meije from the village of La Grave |
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| Great fun climbing with Iraitz in les Freaux. A season not to be forgotten. |
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