Mountaineering
Kingdom of Ice—We’ll take you up there!
Accessible glaciers, peaks over 3,000 m, authentic refuges and passionate guides make the Pays des Écrins an ideal base camp. Whether you are a beginner climber, a thrill seeker or a seasoned mountaineer, you will find a variety of adventure areas here: alpine races, technical climbing, the high mountains in their purest form. Mountaineering or climbing, the choice is yours!
Climbing, ice and mythical peaks
The Pays des Écrins puts major mountaineering races within easy reach, with Ailefroide as a base camp and a network of refuges (Glacier Blanc, Refuge des Écrins) and schools/guides to supervise all levels. You can start gently with initiations on the Roche Faurio or the Pic du Glacier Blanc (day trips), then go upmarket with the Dôme des Écrins and, in two days from Ailefroide, the ascent of the Barre des Écrins via the Glacier Blanc, classics that combine progression on glacier and ridge. The Pelvoux, an emblematic summit whose first ascents have forged the Alpine legend, completes this range of great races. High mountain guides and courses also offer graduated courses to learn the techniques (glacier, cramponing, roped progression) in complete safety.
Which formula to choose?
Three trajectories to progress in mountaineering in the Écrins, depending on your level.
- DISCOVERY Workshops
- “AUTONOMIE” Courses: Learn how to become a mountaineer (3 levels: beginner, intermediate, expert).
- OBJECTIF Climbing Courses: designed to help you conquer legendary peaks like the Dôme or the Pelvoux.
Courses from June through September; equipment is provided as part of the package, and rentals are available on site.
Our mountaineering trips
The must-sees
Where to practice mountaineering in the Écrins?
The Pays des Écrins offers direct access to iconic mountaineering races, with Ailefroide as a base and a network of refuges and guides to guide the progression. The major races:
- Roche Faurio : classic ascent, ideal for learning about the high mountains. A belvedere on the Blanc glacier, it combines glacier, snowy ridge and accessible rocky summit.
- Pic du Glacier Blanc : day trip from the Glacier Blanc refuge, allowing you to touch the glacial world and to familiarize yourself with the progression on snow.
- Dôme des Écrins : flagship race, accessible via the Pré de Madame Carle, with a history of exploits and a terrain conducive to learning the rhythm at altitude.
- Barre des Écrins : emblematic summit of the massif accessible in two days from Ailefroide, combining ridge and glacier progression; a classic that is part of the alpine DNA of the region.
- The Pelvoux : a legendary summit whose ascent in the nineteenth century helped to forge the alpine reputation of the territory; he completes the panel with a demanding race from Ailefroide via the Pelvoux refuge.
All of these corners have guarded huts and guides ready to take you safely.
access is easily by night train to L’Argentière-les-Écrins station, then by shuttle, taxi or electric bike to Vallouise.
Why choose the Écrins?
- Wild and preserved massif
- Less crowded than Chamonix
- Eco-responsible refuges and friendly atmosphere
- Strong Alpine history: Whymper, Ailefroide, Barre des Écrins…
- All-inclusive stays possible (transport + accommodation + refuges)
Spring and Sustainable Mountain Bonus
From March to May, the Écrins become a paradise for ski touring. And if you want to give meaning to your practice, join a stay!
Guide tip:
– Prepare for your first race
Rigid shoes, warm gloves, cat. 4
– Departure at dawn (4-5 hours)
– Stay slow, breathe deeply
– 1.5 L water + snacks within reach
– Learn the basics: roping up, cramponing
– And above all… Go with a guide!
Do you want a summit? We’ll take you up there…
Our selection ofclimbing and mountaineering activities
