From the top of the Dôme de la Lauze, the ski descent of the La Selle valley is an incredible journey to the remote village of Saint Christophe en Oisans
Skiing down to the small village of Saint Christophe en Oisans from the lift of la Grave-la Meije is a true journey and adventure in a high mountain environment. Starting our day from La Grave, we first reach the Gare des Ruillans (3200m / 10,498ft) and take the ski lift to the upper part of the Girose glacier at an elevation of 3568m (11,706ft). From there, a short hike allows us to reach the top of the superb slope leading into the Vallon de la Selle. The landscape is breathtaking: on one side, you can contemplate the Meije massif and the Barre des Ecrins and on the other side, the Grandes Rousses massif and Mont Blanc in the background. We begin to ride down a fairly steep slope of 1000 meters (3,280ft) vertical descent. Timing is essential because of the high elevation and the southern aspect. Once at the bottom of it, we pass by the refuge de la Selle (2673m / 8,769ft) and reach the wild Vallon de la Selle. The angle of the slope becomes more moderate as we traverse out of the valley and admire the stunning rock walls on both sides of the valley. The valley stretches over five kilometers before reaching the mountain stream of the Torrent du Diable. For the last part, we ski through fields directly leading to the village of Saint Christophe en Oisans (1440m / 4,724ft), a remote village in the high valley of the Vénéon river. We will take a well-deserved rest and lunch in La Cordée, a legendary café where time seems to have stopped. A taxi will drive us back to la Grave.
Jour 1
That day, your meeting time is at 8:45am at the guide office.
You’ll meet your guide and he will lend you the security gear (tranceiver, shovel, probe)
Don’t forget your back pack (30L)
Your outing will be from 9am to 4pm.
The program of the day depends on the snow conditions, weather forecast, your level, and your desires.
Outing with a certified mountain guide or instructor
Professional Civil Liability Insurance
Group technical gear (rope…)
Transceiver, shovel, probe, harness
Lift Pass (possibility to purchase at the Guide Office in the morning)
Personal Accident Insurance
Appropriate clothing for your activity (long-johns, fleece/softshell jacket, down jacket, gore-tex jacket, ski pants, ski socks, warm hat, warm gloves, thin gloves)
Ski goggles, sunglasses, sunscreen
Water Bottle or thermos, food and snacks
Skis, boots, poles (material designed for the terrain and the sport – freeride/ski touring/etc)
helmet
Avalanche airbag backpack
backpack that can fit your shovel and probe INSIDE the pack (around 35L)
Meal costs for clients and guide
Picnic for during the day
You often ski in the backcountry. You are capable of skiing sustained routes on steeper slopes and with any type of snow. You are very comfortable with your steep skiing techniques.
You are able to ski multiple complex descents and manage your energy throughout the day and are not afraid to hike up short climbs with skis on your backpack or with skins.