• Introduction to mountaineering and first climbing parties in the heart of the Écrins
  • Introduction to mountaineering and first climbing parties in the heart of the Écrins
  • Introduction to mountaineering and first climbing parties in the heart of the Écrins
  • Introduction to mountaineering and first climbing parties in the heart of the Écrins
  • Introduction to mountaineering and first climbing parties in the heart of the Écrins
  • Introduction to mountaineering and first climbing parties in the heart of the Écrins
  • Introduction to mountaineering and first climbing parties in the heart of the Écrins
  • Introduction to mountaineering and first climbing parties in the heart of the Écrins
  • Introduction to mountaineering and first climbing parties in the heart of the Écrins
  • Introduction to mountaineering and first climbing parties in the heart of the Écrins
  • Introduction to mountaineering and first climbing parties in the heart of the Écrins
Écrins Massif / Hautes-Alpes

Introduction to mountaineering and first climbing parties in the heart of the Écrins

4/5 (1 reviews)
Réf : ESKHCG

In summary

  • Sports
    Mountaineering
  • Duration
    5 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 16 - 90 years
  • CO₂-Emissions
    32.18 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

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

  • A gradual introduction to mountaineering in the heart of the Écrins massif
  • Ascent of Roche Faurio (3730m) facing the Barre des Écrins
  • Guided by a high-mountain guide, nights spent in guesthouses and mountain huts
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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: 7h
  • Average daily elevation gain: 780 m
  • Average daily descent: 620 m

Management

During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Band : 1 supervisor for 3 to 6 people
Languages ​​spoken:
🇫🇷
French
🇬🇧
English
Olivier

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

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
  • map

    Day 1

    • Activity Mountaineering
    • Duration of the activity 5h
    • Accommodation Refuge
    • 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

Note

Walking and activity times are approximate and may vary depending on the weather and the group's pace.

Accommodation

During this stay, you will sleep in several different accommodations.

Access

Departure
Vallouise, Vallouise-Pelvoux, France
Day 1 : 09h00
End of stay
Vallouise, Vallouise-Pelvoux, France
Day 5 - 17h00

Go to the starting point

Access by train
Take the train toGare SNCF de L’Argentière-les-ÉcrinsOrGare SNCF de Briançon
  1. ZOU! buses connect L'Argentière-les-Écrins station to Vallouise / Pelvoux, especially during the season (winter/ski), with timetables adapted to the trains.
  2. Taxis are available from the train stations (price varies, often ~€20-€40 depending on distance and group size).
Access by car
Travel to the place of stay Find out about parking options nearby
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Price details

The price includes

  1. The trip will be led by an experienced high-mountain guide with extensive knowledge of the region.
  2. Accommodation in mountain huts and dormitories
  3. Full board from dinner on Day 1 to picnic lunch on Day 5
  4. Group mountaineering equipment rental

The price does not include

  1. Round-trip transportation to the meeting point
  2. Mountaineering equipment rental: crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet and safety equipment
  3. To ensure optimal comfort, mountaineering boots are not provided. We strongly recommend that you try them on before departure.
  4. Any personal expenses (drinks, snacks, etc.)
  5. Anything not listed under "Price includes"

Options

You will be able to select these options when booking.
  1. Mountaineering kit rental - all the essential equipment : CHF152.00 / person
  2. Additional night after the stay : CHF61.75 / person
  3. Additional night before the stay : CHF61.75 / person
  4. Flex fare and insurance

Practical information

Specific formalities

They traveled with us

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

David

august 2026
Translated from French
Nothing to report
Published on 14/08/2026

They traveled with us

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

David

august 2026
Translated from French
Nothing to report
Published on 14/08/2026
The Marie team
Decathlon Travel Partner

The Marie team

4.4/5 (24 reviews) • 145 stays
Spécialisée dans l'immersion sauvage, notre partenaire local est une agence de référence proposant plus de 100 séjours d'aventures guidées à travers toute l'Europe. L'établissement se distingue par une offre riche et variée, conçue pour placer la nature au cœur de l'expérience de voyage. Que ce soit pour des expéditions en montagne, des traversées de forêts primaires ou des découvertes de littoraux préservés, l'agence met son expertise logistique au service de parcours authentiques et sécurisés.
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