im going on a trip on monday and was wondering if anybody had an idea what the snow conditions are like in la grave. is it skiable to the bottom. is the glacier open at the top and if the link is going to lda. also any forecasts from locals about the week.

thanks in advance and sorry if this post is in the wrong place.

TetonGravity.com may have more up to date information about la Grave (or la Gr* as everyone says). Currently we’ve had a week of strong southerly winds and rain to 1400 - 1500 meters. At 2200 meters there has been around 70cm of snow over the last week. It should be skiable down to 1000 meters altitude, that is down to the village in la Grave. However there have also been a couple of avalanches in the area recently so take care. Snow is heavy below 1500-1800 meters and wind blown at altitude.

The main lift was closed last Saturday - there is a security commission that decides whether to open or not although there has been a lot of controversy over this over the last couple of years between the town hall and lift operator (and a recent court case). Tomorrow I think the second leg will be closed, there is information here:

http://www.la-grave.com/hiver/observations_patrouilleurs.php

Last two days only the lowest part has been open (up to P2). Skiable to 1400 meters (for instance to Les Freux village). Not much soft stuff left between P2->P1. Last couple of days it’s been pretty warm. It’s raining at the moment in the Village. 0C countour somewhere at 2000 meters.

EDIT: Fixed the altitude of Les Freux.

Thanks for the view from the ground.

thanks for that, much appreciated. im looking forward to the bumps in the trees!

Driving conditions have been difficult in the la Grave area today round the Grand Clos due to ice on the road. Even cars with winter tires had to chain up today.

The Dauphine Libere has more information about the Lauteret road closure:-

http://www.ledauphine.com/index.jspz?article=268478

Initially two cars blocked the road stopping snowploughs reaching the col. The storm force winds (255km/h recorded in the Pyrenees and at least 160km/h in the Alps) drifted snow across the col blocking it. Road is expected to reopen shortly. Risk 5/5 in the sector.

thanks guys

i arrive tonight via milan so ive about a 4 hour drive, i think there is a number for the lautaret that has a recorded message if its open or not so ill have a search on the net and see if i can find it. if anybody has it handy thet would be great.

sounds like the wind will be a pain, but i remember a pub in la grave so all is not lost.

Lauteret closed again today. More blizzard like conditions.

The phone number is 0033(0)492244444

On the web, have a look at Inforoute05.fr
That site shows all the watched cols and roads. Very useful.