Climbing and mountaineering

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Kingdom of Rock and Ice We’ll take you up there!

Here, the walls are close to the sky and the peaks tell stories of rope teams, light and rock. In the Pays des Écrins, climbing takes on its full meaning: granite, limestone, boulders, multi-pitch routes, sunny rinds or sharp ridges — everyone finds their own line, their own rhythm, their own route. A land of contrasts and verticality, this territory at the gateway to the National Park is the second Mecca of mountaineering in France, just behind Mont-Blanc, but without the crowds.

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!

ESCALADE
ALPINISME

ESCALADE

Climbing, sun and
granite

Climbing in the Alps is good. Doing it in the Pays des Écrins is better. Between granite, limestone, boulders, multi-pitch routes and well-exposed rinds, you will find here one of the best vertical playgrounds in France.

Beginner or seasoned climber? Alone or with your family? There is bound to be a catch for you.

Where to climb?

Ailefroide – The HQ of climbers: 750 boulders from V0 to 8A+, multi-pitch routes, campsites, restaurants and an alpine atmosphere. Hiking and alpine skiing

Tournoux (Puy Saint Vincent) – Shaded boulders in the middle of the forest, panoramic view, ideal in summer.
La Roche-de-Rame – Limestone rinds (5a to 8a) + swimming at the lake: perfect combo!
Fournel – Mountain atmosphere, sport routes and multi-pitch routes from 5b to 8c. Calm guaranteed.
L’Argentière-la-Bessée – Climb as soon as you get off the train! Site de l’Horloge to warm up, dry-tooling spot in winter.
Rocher Baron (Saint-Martin-de-Queyrières) Perfect for beginners. Cliff in the sun, parking right next door.

News

Topos for sale and equipment for rent (shoes, crash-pads, strings)
in Ailefroide, Vallouise, L’Argentière.

Pure granite, hard climbing

If you’re looking for a mythical bouldering spot in France, head for Ailefroide, just behind Fontainebleau in the ranking of cult places. Here, in the Pays des Écrins, granite is king, climbing is technical… and highly addictive. Whether you are a beginner or a 7A enthusiast, you will find your project at an altitude of 1500 m, a two-minute walk from the campsite.

Climbing, yes. But where?

Ailefroide – THE spot. Dozens of boulders from V0 to 8A+ in a wild setting at the foot of the Blanc glacier. Alpine atmosphere, bivouac possible, camping nearby, cafes to debrief between climbers.
Tournoux (Puy Saint Vincent) – More confidential, quiet and panoramic view. Varied boulders, ideal for beginners or quiet climbing.
Other sectors – Well-hidden nuggets exist around Vallouise, Champcella or in the Fournel valley. To be discovered during the hikes… or by talking to a local.

Bouldering… without pressure

Bouldering is 2 to 5 m of climbing without a rope, with a crash pad and a spotter. Just you, the rock and your mind.
Read the block, place your feet, learn to fall (and parry). Initiations and courses are offered by professional instructors in the area.
📍 Equipment (slippers, crash pads, chalk) for rent in local shops

ALPINISME

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.

Initiation (3 days): supervision by the Écrins guides, with night at the Glacier Blanc refuge.
Intermediate level (4 days): small groups (2 people max) to work on the technique around the Pelvoux.
Major races (5 days): a series of stages to aim for summits such as the Dôme or the Pelvoux.

Courses from March to September, equipment provided for the formulas and rental possible on site.

Ecrins Guides Office

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.

Thibaut Blais

Mountaineering race on the white glacier and the Barre des Écrins

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…