Discover mountaineering in the Ecrins, 100% female
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationÉcrins Massif / Hautes-Alpes
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions15.36 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
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
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A true discovery of mountaineering among girls
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A "mountain" atmosphere in two ideally located mountain huts
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3 days of learning basic mountaineering techniques
Photos
Sport
Level
Mountaineering
In figures
Mountaineering
- Average duration/day: 3h30
- Average distance/day: 8 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 800 m
- Maximum altitude: 3730 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
French
Program
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Discovering mountaineering equipment and techniques on the glacier
- Activity Mountaineering
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 800 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 refuge, high in the mountains at 2542m.
Day 1 -
Glacier Blanc and first summit
- Activity Mountaineering
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 800 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
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 6 km
- Positive elevation gain 800 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, 3730 meters. We enjoy this majestic viewpoint overlooking the Écrins massif before beginning the descent that will take us away from the timeless world of the high mountains and back down to the valley.Day 3
Note
This program may be modified at the guide's discretion if mountain conditions, weather, or the participants' physical condition require it, and in the interest of safety. For safety reasons and to ensure a consistent level of difficulty corresponding to that advertised, the guides and organizers reserve the right to interrupt your participation if your technical skill level and/or physical fitness do not meet the required standards. Under no circumstances will this interruption entitle you to a refund or compensation.
Accommodation
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
Connection possible by S30 bus to L'Argentière and train to Marseille then Paris.
Go to the starting point
Access possible by bus S30 at 9:05 departing from the SNCF train station of L'Argentière, connecting with the night train from Paris.
Price details
The price includes
- The technical organization of the stay
- Supervision by a high mountain guide
- Full board accommodation in a dormitory from lunchtime on day 1 to afternoon 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
- Drinks in mountain huts and personal expenses
- Water in the mountain huts (expect to pay €7-10 per bottle)
- 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) is provided
Equipment to bring
- High mountain boots
- 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…)
