Introduction to mountaineering and first climbing parties in the heart of the Écrins
In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationÉcrins Massif / Hautes-Alpes
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AgeFrom 16 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions37.52 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Embark on a 5-day immersive expedition in the heart of the Écrins massif , a true training ground for mountaineering . Starting from the unspoiled Vallouise valley, this progressive trip lays the essential foundations: rock climbing , rope techniques, and then initial glacier travel. Each stage is designed to foster the acquisition of fundamental skills , in a dynamic of increasing autonomy .
Alternating between nights in comfortable guesthouses and high-altitude mountain huts allows for optimal effort management and gentle acclimatization. After an initial glacier traverse towards the Col du Sélé , you put the techniques learned into practice before aiming for an iconic summit: the Roche Faurio (3,730 m) , a splendid viewpoint facing the majestic Barre des Écrins .
Led by a high-mountain guide , this educational adventure combines safety , technical progression , and immersion in the high mountains. It's an ideal experience to discover the world of mountaineering and take the next step towards your first high-altitude climbs.
The highlights
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A gradual introduction to mountaineering in the heart of the Écrins massif
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Ascent of Roche Faurio (3730m) facing the Barre des Écrins
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Guided by a high-mountain guide, nights spent in guesthouses and mountain huts
Photos
Sport
Level
Mountaineering
In figures
Mountaineering
- Average duration/day: 7h
- Average daily elevation gain: 780 m
- Average daily descent: 620 m
Management
French
English
Originally from the flatlands of Belgium, and a high-mountain guide—it sounds like an oxymoron, and yet here I am, Olivier, 33 years old. Eager to venture off the beaten path, I will guide you with boundless enthusiasm in this magical world of the high mountains, far from the hustle and bustle of the valleys. It is with the same enthusiasm that I will share convivial moments after the climb over a good Belgian beer!
Program
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Day 1
- Activity Mountaineering
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Accommodation Shared chalet
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Welcome in the morning in Vallouise to meet the guide and the group. After an introduction to the trip, we head to a climbing site in the valley.
The day is dedicated to learning the fundamentals: belaying, movement on rock, communication within the rope team, and hand signals. This gradual introduction helps create group dynamics and build confidence before venturing into the high mountains.
Return to the cottage at the end of the day for settling in, dinner and a first convivial evening.
Day 1 -
Day 2
- Activity Mountaineering
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 1000 m
- Accommodation Shared chalet
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, departure from the valley to reach the Sélé refuge. The ascent takes place in an increasingly rocky landscape, overlooking the glacier.
Once at the refuge, the afternoon is dedicated to rope techniques and progression on the nearby mixed terrain. The panoramic view of the Ailefroides accompanies this first immersion at altitude.
Evening and night in a mountain refuge, in the authentic atmosphere of the high mountains.
Day 2 -
Day 3
- Activity Mountaineering
- Duration of the activity 9h
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Negative elevation 1800 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Departing before dawn to traverse a glacier for the first time. With crampons on their feet and roped together, the group progresses towards the Col du Sélé at 3,300 m.
After several hours of climbing, we reached the pass and took a contemplative break before descending to the refuge. After lunch, we gradually made our way back down to the Ailefroide valley.
Settling into the cottage, dinner and a relaxing evening to recover before the rest of the stay.
Day 3 -
Day 4
- Activity Mountaineering
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Positive elevation gain 1400 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A change of scenery as we head towards the heart of the mountain range. The climb leads to the Refuge des Écrins, perched opposite the Barre des Écrins.
The afternoon is dedicated to reviewing techniques: cramponing, snow travel, and safety on glacial terrain. Essential preparation before the final objective.
Evening at altitude and night in a mountain refuge.
Day 4 -
Day 5
- Activity Mountaineering
- Duration of the activity 9h
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 1300 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
A very early start for the ascent of Roche Faurio. This accessible glacier climb utilizes all the skills learned during the trip: rhythm, rope work, safety and progression at altitude.
At the summit, the panorama opens up to the great Alpine peaks. The descent then leads to the refuge and then to the valley.
Return to Vallouise in the late afternoon and a friendly moment to conclude this first alpine adventure.
Day 5
Note
Walking and activity times are approximate and may vary depending on the weather and the group's pace.
Accommodation
Chalet l'Eychauda
Ecrins Refuge
Sélé Refuge
Access
Go to the starting point
- ZOU! buses connect L'Argentière-les-Écrins station to Vallouise / Pelvoux, especially during the season (winter/ski), with timetables adapted to the trains.
- Taxis are available from the train stations (price varies, often ~€20-€40 depending on distance and group size).
Price details
The price includes
- The trip will be led by an experienced high-mountain guide with extensive knowledge of the region.
- Accommodation in mountain huts and dormitories
- Full board from dinner on Day 1 to picnic lunch on Day 5
- Group mountaineering equipment rental
The price does not include
- Round-trip transportation to the meeting point
- Mountaineering equipment rental: crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet and safety equipment
- To ensure optimal comfort, mountaineering boots are not provided. We strongly recommend that you try them on before departure.
- Any personal expenses (drinks, snacks, etc.)
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Mountaineering kit rental - all the essential equipment : CHF146.37 / person
- 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.
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