• Mountaineering in the Écrins: climbing the Dôme at 4,015 m
  • Mountaineering in the Écrins: climbing the Dôme at 4,015 m
  • Mountaineering in the Écrins: climbing the Dôme at 4,015 m
  • Mountaineering in the Écrins: climbing the Dôme at 4,015 m
  • Mountaineering in the Écrins: climbing the Dôme at 4,015 m
  • Mountaineering in the Écrins: climbing the Dôme at 4,015 m
  • Mountaineering in the Écrins: climbing the Dôme at 4,015 m
  • Mountaineering in the Écrins: climbing the Dôme at 4,015 m
  • Mountaineering in the Écrins: climbing the Dôme at 4,015 m
  • Mountaineering in the Écrins: climbing the Dôme at 4,015 m
  • Mountaineering in the Écrins: climbing the Dôme at 4,015 m
  • Mountaineering in the Écrins: climbing the Dôme at 4,015 m
  • Mountaineering in the Écrins: climbing the Dôme at 4,015 m
  • Mountaineering in the Écrins: climbing the Dôme at 4,015 m
  • Mountaineering in the Écrins: climbing the Dôme at 4,015 m
  • Mountaineering in the Écrins: climbing the Dôme at 4,015 m
  • Mountaineering in the Écrins: climbing the Dôme at 4,015 m
Vallouise-Pelvoux / Écrins Massif

Mountaineering in the Écrins: climbing the Dôme at 4,015 m

Réf : EMRIYA

In summary

  • Sports
    Mountaineering
  • Duration
    4 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
    Vallouise-Pelvoux / Écrins Massif
  • Age
    From 18 - 90 years
  • CO₂-Emissions
    20.93 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

Four days roped up in the Écrins National Park with a clear objective: the Dôme des Écrins, 4,015 m . The climb is progressive. Day 1: Ice climbing school on the Glacier Blanc: cramponing, rope work, ice axe handling, and crevasse rescue. Day 2: First practical summit—either the Pic du Glacier Blanc (3,527 m) or the Pic du Glacier d'Arsine (3,364 m), depending on conditions—before reaching the Refuge des Écrins , perched at 3,170 m facing the glacier. Day 3: A pre-dawn start and departure by headlamp : 4 to 5 hours of glacial progress between crevasses and seracs to the summit, with the Barre des Écrins in sight. Led by a high-mountain guide , rope team limited to 3 participants , 3 nights in a staffed mountain hut. Prior mountaineering experience is required.

The highlights

  • Reach a summit at 4,015 m, facing the Barre des Écrins
  • Progress step by step: ice school, application summit, then the Dome
  • Sleep at the Refuge des Écrins, perched at 3,170 m on the edge of the glacier
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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.

The expert's opinion

  1. You do endurance sports at least 2 to 3 times a week
  2. You can sustain 10 to 12 hours of effort with an average of 1200m of elevation gain
  3. You are comfortable with a bag weighing 8 to 12 kg
  4. You are very comfortable in mountainous terrain (rocks, snow, glacier)
  5. You are proficient in the use of crampons and ice axes.
  6. You are comfortable with exposed and airy passages (crevasses and seracs)
  7. Have you already completed a mountaineering climb?

In figures

Mountaineering

  • Average duration/day: 4h30
  • Average distance/day: 6 km
  • Average daily elevation gain: 500 m
  • Maximum altitude: 4015 m
  • Exposed Passages: Yes

Management

During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Band : 1 supervisor for 2 to 3 people
Languages ​​spoken:
French
English
Supervisor

The trip will be supervised by a qualified high mountain guide.

Program

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
  • map

    Ailefroide, Glacier Blanc refuge and ice school

    • Transportation Bus - 00h30 - 12km
    • Activity Mountaineering
    • Duration of the activity 5h
    • Distance 5 km
    • Positive elevation gain 900 m
    • Accommodation Refuge
    • Breakfast not included
    • Lunch not included
    • Dinner included

    The group meets at 9am in Ailefroide. The day begins with the hike up to the Glacier Blanc refuge, where everyone leaves their belongings before putting on their crampons.

    The afternoon is devoted to the fundamentals on the glacier: rope work, cramponing, ice axe handling and basic crevasse rescue, alternating between technical workshops and guided progression.

    Before us: the Pelvoux and the north faces of the Ailefroides. Return to the refuge in the late afternoon for dinner and to prepare for the rest of the trip.

    Day 1

Note

Walking and activity times are given as a guide and may vary depending on the weather, snow conditions and the pace of the group.

Accommodation

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

Access

Departure
Ailefroide, Vallouise-Pelvoux, France
Day 1 : 09h00
End of stay
Ailefroide, Vallouise-Pelvoux, France
Day 4 - 15h00

The meeting is scheduled for 9am in Ailefroide and the stay ends at the same place.

Go to the starting point

Access by train
Take the train toL'Argentière-les-Écrins

From the train station to the meeting point:

  1. By bus (ZOU! network - Vallouise / Ailefroide summer shuttle): During the summer season (July/August), bus shuttles connect the L'Argentière-les-Écrins train station to Pelvoux and Ailefroide (allow approximately 35 to 45 minutes journey time, ticket at approximately €2.10 one way).
  2. By taxi / local ride-hailing service: Outside of shuttle times or for a direct journey, allow 25 to 30 minutes for the ride from L'Argentière-les-Écrins station (estimated fare between €45 and €70 depending on the time slot).
  3. A carpooling group is opened 10 days before departure to help you organize with other participants.
Access by car
Travel to the place of stay Find out about parking options nearby

Ailefroide is directly accessible by car. For group travel, a carpooling group is opened 10 days before departure to help you organize with other participants.

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Price details

The price includes

  1. The trip will be supervised by a qualified high-mountain guide.
  2. Accommodation for 3 nights in a mountain refuge and dormitory
  3. Full board from dinner on day 1 to picnic lunch on day 4
  4. The collective climbing equipment: ropes, belaying and progression equipment

The price does not include

  1. Round-trip transportation to Ailefroide
  2. Day 1's picnic
  3. Individual technical equipment: harness, helmet, crampons and ice axe (available for rent as an option)
  4. Mountaineering boots should be brought along and tried on before departure.
  5. Anything not listed under "Price includes"

Options

You will be able to select these options when booking.
  1. Mountaineering equipment rental : CHF109.78 / person
  2. The night before : CHF68.61 / person
  3. Additional night at the end of stay : CHF68.61 / person
  4. Flex fare and insurance

Practical information

Specific formalities
The Marie team
Decathlon Travel Partner

The Marie team

4.8/5 (12 reviews) • 89 stays
Specializing in wilderness immersion, our local partner is a leading agency offering over 100 guided adventure trips throughout Europe. The agency distinguishes itself with a rich and varied offering, designed to place nature at the heart of the travel experience. Whether it's mountain expeditions, treks through primeval forests, or explorations of pristine coastlines, the agency leverages its logistical expertise to create authentic and safe itineraries.
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