- Destination type
- Mountain road pass, not a conventional ski resort
- Pass altitude
- 2,057 m
- Winter activities
- Ski touring and snowkite
- Access
- Lautaret may close in bad weather; Galibier is a different road
View from the Écrins national park looking at the Col du Lautaret Photo by Ben Hodson
Overview
The Col du Lautaret is a road pass at 2,057 metres between the Romanche and Guisane valleys, rather than a conventional lift-served ski resort. It is a starting point for ski touring and a recognised snowkite setting. A trip should be built around a suitable activity, professional support, weather and road conditions, with accommodation chosen on the side that best fits the wider holiday.
Planning your stay
Discuss touring with a suitably qualified local mountain professional, or book snowkite instruction with a local school. Confirm the meeting point, equipment, conditions policy and return journey. The Lautaret road normally provides a winter connection but can close in bad weather; the nearby Galibier has a different seasonal closure. Check current road information before travel, and arrange an alternative day.
Frequently asked
Planning Col du Lautaret
Is the Col du Lautaret a conventional ski resort?
It is a mountain road pass used as a starting point for touring and snowkite, rather than a conventional lift-served piste holiday. Choose the activity and support first, then the base and travel arrangements.
Is the Col du Lautaret road open in winter?
It normally provides a winter connection but can close in bad weather. Check current departmental road information before travel. The nearby Galibier has different seasonal closure arrangements.
Can I try snowkite there?
Local schools offer instruction. Confirm suitability, the equipment you need, meeting arrangements and the wind or snow conditions policy directly before booking.
Where should I stay for a Lautaret touring trip?
Choose a base around the full holiday and the professional's confirmed meeting point. Compare the Romanche and Guisane sides for practical travel, meals, equipment collection and alternative days; request the exact property address.
Sources
- Hautes Vallées: Lautaret and Galibier passesChecked
- Hautes Vallées: touring from the LautaretChecked
- Bureau des Guides de La Grave: ski touringChecked
- Hautes Vallées: snowkite at the LautaretChecked
- Hautes Vallées: winter pass accessChecked
- Hautes-Alpes department: Info Route 05Checked
- Météo-France: Southern Alps avalanche informationChecked
Plan your stay in Col du Lautaret
Where we'd send a friend asking about Col du Lautaret. Editorial recommendations from inside the Go Alpes ecosystem.
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