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Ecrins Alpine Summits Week

"A week of classical alpine climbing in the wild and beautiful Ecrins national park. The Ecrins are a true mountaineers dream, the absence of cable cars demanding effort and commitment on each venture, but rewarded by uncrowded summits and unspoilt valleys with abundant wildlife."
  
6 days
Intermediate
2:1
Dates: 17 - 22 June
Price: £1195
Fitness: 3-4
Experience: Previous alpine climbing experience to PD+/AD on snow and mixed terrain, and preferably some rock climbing experience.
Included: Guiding Fees and Expenses.
Other Costs: Accommodation, food, travel and uplift ~ £450
Book Online Here
 
Summary
A weeks guided alpine mountaineering in the Ecrins National Park climbing classic alpine peaks. Numerous objectives are available, including the possibility to climb the Barre des Ecrins.
This is a strenuous week for fit climbers. Typical grades are in the range PD to AD.
 
Course Base
We meet in La Grave to start the week. Hut accommodation will be arranged by the guide to suit chosen climbing objectives.
 
Sample Itinerary
Subject to weather and conditions, we follow the general format below:
ecrins alpine climbing itinerary
Day 0 - Sat
PM, meet in La Grave - discuss plans, sort equipment and overnight in valley.
Day 1 - Sun

AM Take the first lift on the Meije to the Glacier Girose (a rare treat around here!)

Ascent of the classic west ridge of Le Rateau (3769m) PD - the ‘Cosmiques Arete’ of La Grave.

PM Drive to Vallouise to spend the night.
Day 2 - Mon

Hut Approach - walk in to the Refuge des Ecrins to spend the night.
Day 3 - Tue

Ascent of Roche Paillon (3636m) PD, traverse of Roche Emile Pic (3586m), or alternatively Pic de Neige Cordier (3614m).

Descend to the Ecrins hut.
Day 4 - Wed

Ascent of the Barre des Ecrins (4102m) PD-AD depending on which route is climbed.

Descend to Vallouise for the night.
Day 5 - Thu
Hut Approach - walk in to Pelvoux Hut.
Day 6 - Fri

Traverse of Pelvoux (3943m) PD+ - the most famous mountain in the range and the centre piece of the Ecrins massif. Descend to Ailfroide/Vallouise.

PM Drive back to La Grave.

ecrins alpine climbing
 
Food and Accommodation
We run all of our courses on a guiding & instruction only basis. Food and accommodation must be paid for seperately. Details of our recommended accommodation in the Ecrins are provided with your joining instructions. The guide will book accommodation for the week, which you pay for direct as we go along.
 
Travel
Full travel details are provided with your joining instructions. La Grave is most easily reached by a low cost flight to Grenoble or Lyon, then a coach transfer to La Grave. If you choose to hire a car, then driving times to La Grave are about 1.5hrs from Grenoble, 2.5hrs from Lyon or Chambery and up
 
Ability and Experience
You need previous alpine climbing experience to PD+/AD on snow and mixed terrain, and preferably some rock climbing experience in order to get the most out of this week. There are no cable cars in the region, so good levels of fitness are required as typical routes involve 6-9 hours climbing each day (see fitness level 3-4). We advise you to prepare well in advance with regular exercise and training.
 
Acclimatisation
Some pre acclimatisation for this week may be useful, particularly if you want to climb higher peaks such as the Pelvoux or Barre des Ecrins.
 
Equipment
We will supply you with a full kit list. All communal safety equipment (ropes etc) is provided by us. You are expected to come equiped with personal clothing and climbing equipment. For the more technical items (ice axe, crampons, harness, helmet, boots etc) local equipment hire is also available.
 
     
 
 
 
         
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