The Lautaret Mountain Pass
This beautiful mountain pass, which looks towards the upper Romanche Valley, Villar d’Arène and La Grave on one side and the Guisane valley and Serre-Chevalier on the other, offers an exceptional panorama of peaks and glaciers that remains accessible by road even in winter.
At the Lautaret Mountain Pass you get great view of the Meije Massif. The high mountains are right there next to you, just a short hike away. Even so, you can enjoy snow sports at any level on the slopes along the road, from classical sledging and airboarding, to ski touring or snowkiting.
Snowkiting
The Lautaret mountain pass is one Europe’s best spots for snowkiting. On a breezy day, a many-coloured acrobatic show is played out right next to the road. These fields up high are a paradise of snow kiters. There’s plenty of wind and space enough to spread your wings.
Ski touring at the Col du Lautaret
Touring enthusiast can put their skis or snowshoes on as soon as the first snow falls, often as early as November, and keep going until May. When Captain Scott decided to test his motor driven sledges at the Lautaret in 1908 before setting out for the Antarctic it was with good reason. There he was sure to find real winter conditions.
The Lautaret Mountain Pass generally has good snow both early and late in the season and starting out at an altitude of 2057 m will get you up high in no time. You can go ski touring towards the Col du Laurichard, the Col des Clochettes, the Vallon de Roche Noire or the Col de Côte Plaine. Remember to check the itineraries as well as the weather and avalanche report before setting out. Don’t hesitate to go with a mountain guide or a ski instructor.
Eating and sleeping at the Col du Lautaret
Would you like to spend time up there to enjoy view of the mountains and the glaciers? You can enjoy cocooning at the very comfortable Lautaret Lodge & Spa or have a delicious lunch at the Café de la Ferme.
Five minutes below the Lautaret, in the village of Villar d’Arène, you will find all sorts of accommodation, restaurants and shops.
Road and traffic conditions at the Lautaret
During the whole winter snow tyres and / or snow chains are compulsory if you plan to drive over the Lautaret Pass. The Pass may close in winter when stormy weather makes driving too difficult or when the avalanche risk is very high. Check the road conditions on the Inforoute Hautes Alpes website.
