Here it comes...
As the annual meeting place for expeditionists and mountain enthusiasts, the concept of the ‘Rencontres Expés’ has made its mark over the years, preferring conviviality and the sharing of experience over formal ceremonies. By organising the event around two areas, sports and culture, running side-by-side, this event highlights the fact that an expedition is not merely an exploit, but also a way of discovering the countries visited and making contact with populations and their culture.
The programme includes slideshows (often shown for the first time), debates, returning expeditions, projects, the awarding of grants, exhibitions, a bookshop, equipment and the chance to chat freely with participants, both well-known and anonymous.
The 2010 edition will be devoted to the fourteen 8000m peaks and new this year is the organisation of scientific colloquium on rambling. Another challenge for the 8th Rencontres Expés!
www.rencontres-expes.com
Fans of white open spaces, powder snow, the Meije and disproportionate slopes, all get together for a crazy weekend testing new gear, picnicking at 3200m, concerts and, above all, runs down the valley.
In 2010, the freeride equipment exhibition is travelling to the top European sites for quality testing on exceptional altitude runs (La Grave, Le Pic du Midi and Verbier)..
www.ultimatetesttour.com
Boosted by the success of their first edition, girls once again have place of honour in La Grave-La Meije, at the ‘Reines de la Meije’ weekend.
The Meije Glacier cable car ski-pass is free for women during these two days and they also have a chance to enjoy a free introductory descent of the Valleys accompanied by a guide (places are limited and must be booked), ski testing, a concert and prizes.
The BigLePowski is a get-together for fans of freeride and backcountry, with a chance to try out the latest gear from the brand names present (Black Diamond) and take part in workshops lead by La Grave mountain guides and pro-riders (freeride, avalanche searches, ski mountaineering, analysis of the terrain and snow conditions, map reading, safety equipment, etc.).
Special groups are formed for women, beginners, photographers and advanced skiers. A photo competition and concert in a local bar are also part of the festivities. Des groupes sont spécialement formés pour les filles, les débutants, les photographes et les skieurs de niveau avancé.
Un concours photo et un concert dans un bar local sont également au programmedes festivités.
www.thebiglepowski.com
Having remained discreet for many years, monoskiing is taking place of honour in La Grave-La Meije!
This 3-day friendly get-together is open to everyone, with gear testing, exploration of the skiing area, introductory workshops to the high-mountain environment with the Guides’ Office of La Grave, a night at the Chancel mountain hut and a concert in La Grave.
www.lagrave-lameije.com or www.monoski-france.com
This mythical end-of-season race attracts top skiers, along with all the fans and more eccentric members of the skiing world… who come from all corners of the planet to join in the race.
Whether solo, in teams or in disguise, everyone finds their place for this day racing down the valleys. Over the past few years, the organisers have been emphasizing safety
and prevention issues by holding themed workshops during training days. When the big day arrives, each person chooses their line with the aim of beating their previous year’s time and getting to the bottom to enjoy all the festivities; the huge meal, street entertainment and marquee concerts.
This is the big skiing party that celebrates snow and springtime!
