Summer’s over, so I’m planning a first time trip to La Grave in March/April, and I’m wondering whether to stay on the mountain, or in the village. Now, you may be tempted to respond, He really should know already if he prefers a hut to a hotel, but hear me out. I plan to spend a long weekend at the resort, basing myself for several days either in the valley or a refuge, and returning to the same base each night. I’m happy with a mixture of touring and freeride, but the main appeal of the refuge is savouring the empty mountain after the crowds have gone, and early before they arrive the next morning.
If I stay in a refuge, given the weather patterns in the area, am I likely to be weather bound for some of it, so would I be better down in the village, and driving to other resorts on bad weather days??
Are there any particular refuges that make a better base than others, for location, atmosphere, facilities, food, ability to bale out in bad weather, or any other reason?
Any experiences, good or bad?
