Nestled at 1,800 metres altitude, Le Chazelet is a hamlet in the commune of La Grave, in the Hautes-Alpes, offering a breathtaking view facing the imposing Meije. This low-key village resort cultivates a strongly marked dual identity: calm and family-friendly in winter, open, wild and rocky in summer. Unlike many altitude resorts, Le Chazelet has retained a human scale and strong authenticity. In winter, its sun-drenched balcony slopes attract families and relaxed skiers, while freeriders head towards La Grave, on the other side of the valley. In summer, it’s a favoured base camp for hikers and cyclists seeking to escape the crowds at the gateway to the Oisans, the Écrins and legendary passes such as the Galibier or the Glandon.
Le Chazelet
Overview
Le Chazelet
Overview of Le Chazelet
Le Chazelet is above all a village. Its traditional stone houses, narrow lanes and mountain farm buildings set a typically alpine scene. Perched above La Grave, it overlooks the Romanche valley and opens due south towards the Meije massif and its glaciers. The local architecture has been remarkably preserved: no massive construction or oversized residences here — just a hamlet clinging to the slope, with restored old buildings and a few discreet extensions. The modest church of Saint-Antoine, well integrated into the setting, reinforces this end-of-the-world atmosphere. From the lanes, views of the glaciers are omnipresent. Around, numerous hamlets such as Ventelon and Les Hieres extend this aesthetic typical of the Hautes-Alpes. A few minutes by car, La Grave — one of the most beautiful villages in the Alps — offers another face: cobbled streets, religious heritage and a high-altitude cable car. Together, Le Chazelet and La Grave form a coherent territory — both rugged and welcoming, faithful to its mountain history.
Our review — Le Chazelet
Ski area — key figures — Le Chazelet
- 🌟 Village resort (Hautes-Alpes)
- 📏 1740 m Village altitude (2170 m Top altitude)
- 🎿 9 runs
🚠 7 ski lifts
Average lift age: 28 years
When to visit
Le Chazelet in summer
In summer, Le Chazelet is a privileged base camp for lovers of pure nature and mountains. People come to walk on hillside trails facing the Meije, or to climb higher towards the Promontoire, Pave or Aigle refuges. The high pastures around the Emparis plateau offer accessible mid-mountain routes, with one of the finest panoramas in the Alps looking out over the Ecrins glaciers. Cyclists are equally well served: within pedalling distance, the Col du Lautaret, Glandon, Croix de Fer, Alpe d’Huez, Galibier and Col d’Izoard attract road cycling enthusiasts. For heritage, a visit to La Grave and the Lautaret botanical garden completes the stay.
🎯 Things to do in summer:
✅ Road cycling • ✅ Enduro MTB • ✅ Hiking
Le Chazelet in winter
In winter, Le Chazelet plays the card of peaceful, panoramic skiing. Its small ski area — facing south-west and north — offers 7 ski lifts and around 10 km of runs, ideal for beginners and families. The sun shines for a large part of the day, even in January, making it a perfect choice for leisure skiers, children or those who prioritise relaxation over speed. The uncrowded runs allow stress-free learning. A few kilometres away, La Grave takes over for expert skiers with its mythical off-piste area — ungroomed, unmarked and without snowcats. Villar-d’Arene, 5 minutes away, offers a discreet but quality Nordic ski area with a superb route along the Romanche. Le Chazelet is above all an exceptional view of the north face of the Meije.
🎯 Things to do in winter:
✅ Alpine skiing • ✅ Cross-country skiing • ✅ Ski touring • ✅ Snowshoeing
Skiing
Below is an overview of the ski area accessible from Le Chazelet: Le Chazelet (alpin).
Ski area — Le Chazelet
⛰️ Altitudes: 1740 m – 2170 m
🎿 Alpine skiing: 8 km
💰 Day pass: 21 €
The Chazelet ski area, south-west and north-facing, extends between 1,750 and 2,200 metres altitude. It has 7 ski lifts (drag lifts and a chairlift) and 9 runs (2 green, 2 blue, 3 red and 1 black). The appeal lies not in quantity but in the quality of the viewpoints and the tranquillity. The ski school is active and ideal for children. The ski area base is accessible on foot from the village, making car-free stays easy. No link to other resorts, but La Grave, Les 2 Alpes and Serre Chevalier are just a few kilometres away by car. Sun exposure ensures bright days, perfect in the heart of winter. Snowfall, though variable, is generally good thanks to the altitude of the runs and the proximity to the Northern Alps. The ski area also offers a toboggan area and a very gentle beginner zone.
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Ski pass prices — Le Chazelet
Current lift pass prices for ski areas accessible from Le Chazelet.
| Ski area | Day pass | 6-day pass | Season pass | Season (prices) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Le Chazelet (alpin skiing) | 21 € | 103 € | 267 € | 2025-2026 |
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