Écrins Massif / Hautes-Alpes

Discovering mountaineering in the Ecrins

4,6/5 (80 reviews)

Réf : FAECR

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Discovering mountaineering in the Ecrins

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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Photos

olivier - verified review - september 2026

Laura - verified review - august 2026

Valentin - verified review - august 2025

Sport

Level

Mountaineering

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.

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.

Learn more about supervision

Program

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

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
Glacier Blanc and first summit
- Activity Mountaineering
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 6 km
- Positive elevation gain 950 m
- Negative elevation 350 m
- Maximum altitude 3364 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Departure before sunrise towards one of the peaks overlooking the refuge and the Glacier Blanc: the Pic du Glacier d'Arsine (3364 m). You will ascend roped together and put into practice the mountaineering techniques learned the previous day. Descending from the summit, you will reach the Refuge des Écrins (3170 m) . Dinner, overnight stay, and breakfast at the Refuge des Écrins.
Day 2
Summit of Roche Faurio (3730m)
- Activity Mountaineering
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Negative elevation 1810 m
- Maximum altitude 3730 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Another early start for this final day, as we set off at dawn to climb Roche Faurio (3730m). We enjoy this majestic viewpoint overlooking the Écrins before beginning the descent that will take us away from the timeless world of the high mountains and back down to the valley for the end of our stay.
Day 3

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

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

Would you like to travel on other dates?

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Price details

The price includes

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

The price does not include

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

Options

Flex fare and insurance

Practical information

Specific formalities

Specifics

Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).

In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.

It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.

ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.

Equipment

Equipment provided on site

Group equipment (ropes, carabiners)

Equipment to bring

High-altitude mountaineering boots (crampon-compatible)
A backpack with a capacity of 35 to 45 liters with a waist belt and comfortable shoulder straps.
An ice axe, crampons with anti-balling plates, a harness equipped with two screw-gate carabiners (rental available)
1 helmet
Quickdraws, descender (if you have one)
A pair of gaiters
A sleeping bag liner (there are blankets in the refuge)
A small toiletry bag
A sunscreen cream (for face and lips)
A headlamp, with spare batteries
A pocket knife
A water bottle
Toilet paper + lighter
Two to three plastic bags (100 litres) to protect the backpack in case of rain.

Clothing to bring

Cap
Hat (or cap) for sun protection and/or scarf
Glacier glasses
1 pair of fleece or wool gloves
1 pair of gloves
Breathable technical underwear
Breathable technical undershirt (carline, lightweight fleece...)
Fleece jacket
1 windproof and waterproof Gore-Tex type jacket
1 pair of comfortable mountain pants
1 pair of Gore-Tex type windproof trousers
2 pairs of socks, one thin pair and one thicker pair.
Telescopic poles (recommended)
Thermos or bottle (1 L minimum)
Minimum facilities for toilets (no showers in the refuge)
Small pharmacy adapted to your needs (blister relief, personal medications…)

Note: This list is generic and intended to cover all weather conditions you might encounter in the high mountains. It should be adapted to the specific conditions expected during your stay. Always pack warm clothing, even when temperatures are high in the valley.

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

olivier - 50 ans

september 2026 In a group

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.

Published on 13/09/2026

DENIS - 42 ans

september 2026 In a group

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 predicted 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

Decathlon Travel's response

Translated from French

Hello Denis, We are sorry to hear of your disappointment regarding the end of your trip, despite the setting and the quality of the guiding which you appreciated. In the mountains, we are unfortunately dependent on the weather and terrain conditions, which can change very quickly and bring last-minute surprises. In the natural environment, not everything can be anticipated, and safety on site always takes precedence over the planned itinerary. Our guides adapt their decisions in real time to guarantee everyone's safety. Our customer service team remains at your disposal should you wish to discuss your trip in more detail. The Decathlon Travel Team

Laura - 32 ans

august 2026 In a group

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.

Published on 03/09/2026

Decathlon Travel's response

Translated from French

Hello, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We are delighted to read that you enjoyed the mountaineering trip, the great atmosphere within the group, and the magnificent scenery. Regarding the group composition and the difference in skill levels, 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 members of the group. We will strengthen our prerequisite checks to ensure optimal consistency on our intermediate trips. Regarding the CAF (French Alpine Club) membership card, we would like to clarify that our agency purchases overnight stays directly from the mountain huts to manage the organization of your trip. However, the mountain huts do not pass on the discounts granted to CAF cardholders to the professional rates applied to travel agencies, which explains why we cannot offer this preferential rate on our all-inclusive courses. We appreciate all your feedback and will continue to improve the preparation of our trips. We look forward to seeing you again in the mountains!

Decathlon Travel Partner

The Alexandre team

4.5/5 (302 reviews) • 59 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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In summary

In a few words

The highlights

Photos

Sport

Level

Mountaineering

In figures

Mountaineering

Management

Program

Discovering mountaineering equipment and techniques on the glacier

Glacier Blanc and first summit

Summit of Roche Faurio (3730m)

Note

Accommodation

Access

Go to the starting point

Price details

The price includes

The price does not include

Options

Practical information

Specifics

Equipment provided on site

Equipment to bring

Clothing to bring

They traveled with us

olivier - 50 ans 100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.

DENIS - 42 ans 100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.

Laura - 32 ans 100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.

The Alexandre team

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