Steep slopes, substantial changes in altitude and a wild environment: all the necessary ingredients to make this haute route one of the most beautiful ski trips in the Alps. The Ecrins massif, thanks to its very jagged structure, offers many technical hills and slopes allowing for fantastic descents … the itinerary is therefore reserved for good skiers and those who have excellent physical fitness.
This program is organized by our part Odyssee Montagne agency, which has all the legal requirements to offer all-inclusive packages. The mountain guide who will leave with you will be an Italian native speaker. Subject to changes based on on-site conditions and physical preparation of participants.
1st day: Chatelleret refuge Climb to the Col de la Lauze by cable car from La Grave, then with the skins we continue towards the Giroze hill. Descent south side for a steep couloir with the help of a fixed rope. We cross the Selle glacier and go up to the Replat col. Wonderful descent to the Chatelleret refuge along sustained slopes. Journey time: 4 hours. Difference in altitude: + 300 m / – 1100 m.
2nd day: Planchard refuge Climb to the Col de la Casse Deserte at 3483 m, to the Grande Ruine glacier. A fairly sustained itinerary, but the arrival at the hill is spectacular, between the walls of Pic Bourcet and Grande Ruine. From the pass, crossing the cold des Neiges and short descent to the Planchard refuge 3186 m. One of the most isolated mountain huts. Night in a refuge. Journey time: 6/7 hours. Difference in altitude: + 1250 m / – 200 m.
Day 3: Alpe del Villar d’Arene refuge Ascension of the Grande Ruine 3765 m, walk the last 70 m. From the top, the 360 ° view over all the peaks of the massif is spectacular, with the south face of the Meije on our left. One of the most beautiful descents of this raid, in a very wild glacial circus, under the north face of the Roche Faurio and the Tombe Murée. Short ascent to the Alpe du Villar d’Arene refuge 2077 m. Journey time: 7/8 hours. Difference in altitude: + 600 m / – 1485 m.
4th day: Pic de Neige Cordier, Refuge of the Ecrins Ascent to the Col d ‘Arsine. The left bank of the glacier will lead us to the foot of the couloir of the Platte des Agnaux 3217 m, which we will ascend on foot (300 m of channel at 35 °). Ascent to the crest of the Pic de Neige Cordier and crossing to the Emile Pic hill 3487 m. Short descent to the Ecrins refuge 3170 m. Another exceptional stop in a high mountain environment. Journey time: 6/8 hours. Difference in altitude: + 1000 m / – 315 m.
5th day: Glacier Blanc hut Ascent of the Dome des Ecrins 4015 m to the north slope, then descent to Glacier Blanc to the hut of the same name 2542 m. From the top a wonderful view over all the Alps. Journey time: 6/7 hours. Difference in altitude: + 1000 m / – 1500 m.
Day 6: Domes de Monetier Climb to the Monetier hill 3339 m for steep slopes. Crossing of the Domes of Monetier up to the Pic du Rif 3450 m, then superb descent through the Grand Tabuc valley to the village of Monetier 1473 m. Return to la Grave by taxi. Journey time: 5/7 hours. Difference in altitude: + 800 m / – 1900 m
People
Duration
Season
Technical challenge
Physical challenge
Accompaniment by a UIAGM mountain guide. Half board in the mountain huts, from dinner on the first day to breakfast on the last.
Personal expenses such as drinks, snaks, etc., transport to reach the meeting point, the possible rent of personal material.