• Discovering mountaineering in the Ecrins
  • Discovering mountaineering in the Ecrins
  • Discovering mountaineering in the Ecrins
  • Discovering mountaineering in the Ecrins
  • Discovering mountaineering in the Ecrins
  • Discovering mountaineering in the Ecrins
  • Discovering mountaineering in the Ecrins
  • Discovering mountaineering in the Ecrins
  • Discovering mountaineering in the Ecrins
  • Discovering mountaineering in the Ecrins
  • Discovering mountaineering in the Ecrins
  • Discovering mountaineering in the Ecrins
  • Discovering mountaineering in the Ecrins
  • Discovering mountaineering in the Ecrins
  • Discovering mountaineering in the Ecrins
  • Discovering mountaineering in the Ecrins
  • Discovering mountaineering in the Ecrins
  • Discovering mountaineering in the Ecrins
  • Discovering mountaineering in the Ecrins
Écrins Massif / Hautes-Alpes

Discovering mountaineering in the Ecrins

4,6/5 (80 reviews)
Réf : FAECR

In summary

  • Sports
    Mountaineering
  • Duration
    3 days
  • Level
    Confirmed

    Levels

    Mountaineering
    Beginner
    Mountaineering is a demanding sport; consequently, there is no "beginner" physical level for it. If you have never mountaineered before, you can aim for an intermediate or advanced level.
    Intermediate
    For fit hikers who wish to experience the high mountains. No specific mountaineering skills are required; the crampon work is straightforward. Guides are on hand to provide instruction and ensure your safety. The daily elevation gain generally ranges from 700 to a maximum of 1,000 meters.
    Confirmed
    For those who engage in endurance or mountain sports (running, cycling, trail running, rock climbing, trekking, etc.) three or more times a week. You are capable of hiking for long hours in the mountains and ascending around 1,500 meters in a single day. Ideally, you have some prior high-altitude experience (such as walking in crampons), though this is not essential if you are in excellent physical condition. To aid acclimatization, it is recommended to go mountain hiking in the days leading up to the trip.
    Advanced
    For those who regularly practice endurance or mountain sports (running, cycling, trail running, rock climbing, trekking, etc.)—at least four times a week. You are capable of hiking for over eight hours in the mountains and ascending between 1,500 and 2,000 vertical meters in a single day. You have mastered crampon techniques. Prior mountaineering experience (ascents or ice training) is mandatory.
    Expert
    For those in excellent physical condition who regularly engage in mountain activities (rock climbing, mountaineering, ice climbing, etc.): you have mastered mountaineering techniques and are capable of undertaking climbs rated D or higher.
  • Destination
    Écrins Massif / Hautes-Alpes
  • Age
    From the age of 18
  • CO₂-Emissions
    15.36 kg CO2
  • Type of stay
    This group trip is perfect for travelers who want to experience a sporting adventure with other enthusiasts and be guided.
    Type of stay
    In a group
  • Languages
    🇫🇷
    French
    🇬🇧
    English

In a few words

This trip will provide you with the fundamentals of mountaineering and high-altitude climbing in the stunning setting of the Écrins massif . These three days will allow you to learn various basic techniques that will lead you to undertake your first mountaineering climb in this national park dotted with glaciers . The journey begins in the heart of the Écrins with an approach hike to the refuge. You will learn the basic techniques for moving as a rope team and ensuring your safety and that of your fellow participants, in all types of high-mountain terrain. The program includes: cramponing on snow and ice, roped progression on glaciers, rock climbing, rappelling techniques, rescue maneuvers, route planning, map reading, and navigation.

The highlights

  • A true discovery of mountaineering
  • A "mountain" atmosphere in two ideally located mountain huts
  • 3 days of learning basic mountaineering techniques
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Free cancellation more than 30 days in advance
Payment in 2 installments
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Photos

Sport

Level

Mountaineering

Confirmed

Levels

Mountaineering
Beginner
Mountaineering is a demanding sport; consequently, there is no "beginner" physical level for it. If you have never mountaineered before, you can aim for an intermediate or advanced level.
Intermediate
For fit hikers who wish to experience the high mountains. No specific mountaineering skills are required; the crampon work is straightforward. Guides are on hand to provide instruction and ensure your safety. The daily elevation gain generally ranges from 700 to a maximum of 1,000 meters.
Confirmed
For those who engage in endurance or mountain sports (running, cycling, trail running, rock climbing, trekking, etc.) three or more times a week. You are capable of hiking for long hours in the mountains and ascending around 1,500 meters in a single day. Ideally, you have some prior high-altitude experience (such as walking in crampons), though this is not essential if you are in excellent physical condition. To aid acclimatization, it is recommended to go mountain hiking in the days leading up to the trip.
Advanced
For those who regularly practice endurance or mountain sports (running, cycling, trail running, rock climbing, trekking, etc.)—at least four times a week. You are capable of hiking for over eight hours in the mountains and ascending between 1,500 and 2,000 vertical meters in a single day. You have mastered crampon techniques. Prior mountaineering experience (ascents or ice training) is mandatory.
Expert
For those in excellent physical condition who regularly engage in mountain activities (rock climbing, mountaineering, ice climbing, etc.): you have mastered mountaineering techniques and are capable of undertaking climbs rated D or higher.
For those who engage in endurance or mountain sports (running, cycling, trail running, rock climbing, trekking, etc.) three or more times a week. You are capable of hiking for long hours in the mountains and ascending around 1,500 meters in a single day. Ideally, you have some prior high-altitude experience (such as walking in crampons), though this is not essential if you are in excellent physical condition. To aid acclimatization, it is recommended to go mountain hiking in the days leading up to the trip.

In figures

Mountaineering

  • Average duration/day: 2h30
  • Average distance/day: 9 km
  • Average daily elevation gain: 717 m
  • Average daily descent: 720 m
  • Maximum altitude: 3730 m
  • Exposed Passages: Yes

Management

During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Band : 1 supervisor for 4 to 5 people
Languages ​​spoken:
🇫🇷
French
🇬🇧
English
Guide de haute montagne

This course is led by a high mountain guide who will provide you with the technical elements necessary for the smooth running of the week.

Management

Security

For safety reasons and to ensure a consistent level of competition as advertised, the organizers and staff reserve the right to discontinue your participation if your technical skill and/or physical condition do not meet the required standards. Under no circumstances will this discontinuation entitle you to a refund or compensation.
Learn more about supervision

Program

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
  • map

    Discovering mountaineering equipment and techniques on the glacier

    • Activity Mountaineering
    • Duration of the activity 4h
    • Distance 5 km
    • Positive elevation gain 650 m
    • Maximum altitude 2542 m
    • Exposed passages Yes
    • Accommodation Refuge
    • Breakfast not included
    • Lunch included
    • Dinner included

    📍Meet at L'Argentière-La-Bessée train station in the morning and then drive to the starting point of your adventure, which begins with a hike to the Glacier Blanc refuge . The afternoon will be dedicated to learning the techniques of mountaineering and glacier travel. How to attach crampons, rope up, what an ice screw is used for, and what an ice axe is used for. You'll learn all this and more throughout the afternoon through fun exercises designed to introduce you to the basics of mountaineering .

    Dinner and overnight stay in a dormitory at the mountain refuge at 2542m.

    Day 1

Note

This program may be modified at the guide's discretion if mountain conditions, weather or the physical condition of the participants require it and in the interest of safety.

Accommodation

🏔️ Mountain refuge - Days 1 to 2
  • 🏔️ Mountain refuge - Days 1 to 2
🏔️ Mountain refuge - Days 1 to 2

Nights at the refuge are spent in dormitories; blankets are provided, but remember to bring a sleeping bag liner. Toiletries will be minimal. Slippers are available, so there's no need to bring shoes for the refuge.

Access

Departure
Parking De Pré Madame Carle
Day 1 : 10h30
End of stay
Parking Du Pré Madame Carle
Day 3 - 16h00

Go to the starting point

Access by train
Take the train toGare de l'Argentière

🚌 Access possible by bus S30 at 9:05 departing from the SNCF train station of L'Argentière, connecting with the night train from Paris.

Access by car
Travel to the place of stay with parking available
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Price details

The price includes

  1. The technical organization of the stay
  2. Supervision by a high mountain guide
  3. Dormitory-style accommodation in mountain huts
  4. Full board from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 3
  5. The collective equipment necessary for safety

The price does not include

  1. Individual technical equipment
  2. Drinks in mountain huts and personal expenses
  3. Individual race supplies
  4. Travel to the starting point of the hike
  5. Water in the mountain huts (expect to pay €7-10 per bottle)
  6. Drinks in mountain huts and personal expenses
  7. Rental of boots, harness, helmet, crampons and ice axe if necessary

Options

  1. Flex fare and insurance

Practical information

Specific formalities
Equipment

They traveled with us

Discover the authentic experiences of our travelers
4,6/5
(80 reviews)
At Decathlon, the reviews are reliable.
Reviews displayed in reverse chronological order
o

olivier

september 2026
Translated from French
The guide and the trip itself were excellent. However, it's a shame to offer this course so late in the season. This year, it was impossible to climb the planned peaks due to the ice conditions. It would be better to go before the end of July.
  • olivier
  • olivier
  • olivier
Published on 13/09/2026
D

DENIS

september 2026
Translated from French
Hello, the guide and the location were incredible, but we didn't reach the final summit due to extremely dry conditions, which had been predictable for some time, and that's precisely the problem. I think you are capable of informing your clients beforehand about the access conditions to ensure their satisfaction, rather than guaranteeing a departure while being convinced that the promises won't be kept, which was very disappointing.
Published on 08/09/2026
DT
Decathlon Travel's response
Translated from French

Bonjour,

Merci de nous partager votre retour d'expérience. Je suis ravi d'apprendre que la magie du lieu et la présence de votre guide ont marqué votre séjour ! Je comprends tout à fait votre déception de ne pas avoir pu atteindre ce dernier sommet à cause de ces conditions d'assèchement. Nos experts terrain surveillent la météo et la sécurité des accès avant chaque départ, mais la montagne reste souveraine et nous oblige parfois à renoncer au dernier moment pour ne prendre aucun risque. Nous faisons le point avec notre équipe locale pour améliorer notre anticipation et la communication en amont. J'espère que nous aurons l'occasion de vous accompagner sur un nouveau sommet très bientôt !

Sportivement, L'équipe Decathlon Travel

L

Laura

august 2026
Translated from French
The course wasn't really as described; I didn't feel like I was at an intermediate level, but more like a beginner. There were five of us registered, and two of us had never been to the mountains before. Having some mountaineering experience, I helped them during the trip. I'm a member of the CAF (French Alpine Club), and I think it's a shame not to be entitled to the discount offered at the mountain huts, especially since they asked for my membership card… Otherwise, the mountaineering route was very enjoyable, with a great atmosphere and an incredible view.
  • Laura
  • Laura
  • Laura
Published on 03/09/2026
DT
Decathlon Travel's response
Translated from French

Good morning,

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us.

We are delighted to read that you enjoyed the mountaineering race, the great atmosphere in the group and the magnificent scenery.

Regarding the group composition and the skill level differences, we completely understand your frustration. Although we do a preliminary selection based on experience questionnaires, unfortunately, skill assessments sometimes vary from one participant to another. Thank you very much for your teamwork and the help you provided to the other group members. We will strengthen our prerequisite checks to ensure optimal homogeneity on our intermediate trips.

Regarding the CAF (French Alpine Club) membership card, we want to clarify something: our agency purchases overnight stays directly from the mountain huts to manage the organization of your trip. However, the huts do not pass on the discounts granted to CAF cardholders to the professional rates applied by travel agencies, which explains why we cannot offer this preferential rate on our all-inclusive courses.

We have taken note of all your comments to continue improving the preparation of our trips. We look forward to seeing you again in the mountains!

They traveled with us

Discover the authentic experiences of our travelers
4,6/5
(80 reviews)
At Decathlon, the reviews are reliable.
Reviews displayed in reverse chronological order
o

olivier

september 2026
Translated from French
The guide and the trip itself were excellent. However, it's a shame to offer this course so late in the season. This year, it was impossible to climb the planned peaks due to the ice conditions. It would be better to go before the end of July.
  • olivier
  • olivier
  • olivier
Published on 13/09/2026
D

DENIS

september 2026
Translated from French
Hello, the guide and the location were incredible, but we didn't reach the final summit due to extremely dry conditions, which had been predictable for some time, and that's precisely the problem. I think you are capable of informing your clients beforehand about the access conditions to ensure their satisfaction, rather than guaranteeing a departure while being convinced that the promises won't be kept, which was very disappointing.
Published on 08/09/2026
DT
Decathlon Travel's response
Translated from French

Bonjour,

Merci de nous partager votre retour d'expérience. Je suis ravi d'apprendre que la magie du lieu et la présence de votre guide ont marqué votre séjour ! Je comprends tout à fait votre déception de ne pas avoir pu atteindre ce dernier sommet à cause de ces conditions d'assèchement. Nos experts terrain surveillent la météo et la sécurité des accès avant chaque départ, mais la montagne reste souveraine et nous oblige parfois à renoncer au dernier moment pour ne prendre aucun risque. Nous faisons le point avec notre équipe locale pour améliorer notre anticipation et la communication en amont. J'espère que nous aurons l'occasion de vous accompagner sur un nouveau sommet très bientôt !

Sportivement, L'équipe Decathlon Travel

L

Laura

august 2026
Translated from French
The course wasn't really as described; I didn't feel like I was at an intermediate level, but more like a beginner. There were five of us registered, and two of us had never been to the mountains before. Having some mountaineering experience, I helped them during the trip. I'm a member of the CAF (French Alpine Club), and I think it's a shame not to be entitled to the discount offered at the mountain huts, especially since they asked for my membership card… Otherwise, the mountaineering route was very enjoyable, with a great atmosphere and an incredible view.
  • Laura
  • Laura
  • Laura
Published on 03/09/2026
DT
Decathlon Travel's response
Translated from French

Good morning,

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us.

We are delighted to read that you enjoyed the mountaineering race, the great atmosphere in the group and the magnificent scenery.

Regarding the group composition and the skill level differences, we completely understand your frustration. Although we do a preliminary selection based on experience questionnaires, unfortunately, skill assessments sometimes vary from one participant to another. Thank you very much for your teamwork and the help you provided to the other group members. We will strengthen our prerequisite checks to ensure optimal homogeneity on our intermediate trips.

Regarding the CAF (French Alpine Club) membership card, we want to clarify something: our agency purchases overnight stays directly from the mountain huts to manage the organization of your trip. However, the huts do not pass on the discounts granted to CAF cardholders to the professional rates applied by travel agencies, which explains why we cannot offer this preferential rate on our all-inclusive courses.

We have taken note of all your comments to continue improving the preparation of our trips. We look forward to seeing you again in the mountains!

P

Philippe

august 2026
Translated from French
The guide's supervision was perfect. A very good and safe mountaineering experience.
Published on 25/08/2026
E

Emilie

august 2026
Translated from French
/
Published on 12/08/2026
L

Laurent

july 2026
Translated from French
A superb mountaineering route offering a taste of high-altitude mountaineering. Despite the changeable weather, we were able to reach the summit. Good physical condition is required, but no prior technical skills are necessary; the guide explained everything very well. It makes you want to do it again!
Published on 28/07/2026
L

Lison

july 2026
Translated from French
A wonderful stay for a true mountaineering experience.
Published on 28/07/2026
G

Gael

july 2026
Translated from French
The experience is reserved for a population with excellent physical condition, but the guide was fantastic and the world of the high mountains is magical.
Published on 20/07/2026
C

Cedric

july 2026
Translated from French
Top
Published on 14/07/2026
M

MARLENE

july 2026
Translated from French
Patrice is an excellent guide who greatly contributed to the quality of the experience. I highly recommend him.
Published on 13/07/2026
The Alexandre team
Decathlon Travel Partner

The Alexandre team

4.5/5 (614 reviews) • 115 stays
Located in Chamonix, the world capital of mountaineering, our team will take you to the most beautiful mountains in the world. Our guides all share the same mountain philosophy, based on sharing their passion, ensuring the safety of their leaders, and maintaining their professionalism. Whether on the trails of the Alps or on the highest peaks on the planet, the role of our partner's mountaineering team is to remain constantly attentive to your needs, sharing an unforgettable and safe experience. We also want this time spent together to be a sharing of all the riches of the high altitude: the sporting riches of the action, the aesthetic riches of the landscapes and the light, and the human riches of sharing a true "Mountain Culture."
Discover their team and their trips
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