Trail Conditions

Home Trail Conditions

Summer is coming, the snow is melting, but there are still a few patches of snow left at the end of spring.

GR54

The GR54 trail is now almost entirely passable. Be careful of the remaining patches of snow along the route, which can cause injuries if the snow bridge breaks as hikers cross.

Madame Carle’s Meadow: Sustainable Transportation

other trails

On the other hand,

• The Tour du Pays des Ecrins is clear and passable; it can be completed in 3, 6, or 7 days.
• The Vallouise Mountain Hut Circuit (4 and 5 days) is also an option.
• The route from the train to the Glacier Blanc is accessible.

Steep snow slopes—even slightly steep ones—whether the snow is frozen in the morning or thawed in the afternoon, remain dangerous because they are slippery. Even with crampons, it is strongly discouraged to cross a snow slope where there is a hazard at the bottom of the slope (cliffs, rocks, crevasses, etc.). Similarly, venturing onto a snowfield without crampons is dangerous and causes several deaths each year.

With the delayed snowmelt, we are also seeing the phenomenon of snow bridges. A stream forms beneath the snow and creates a bridge, which eventually gives way—sometimes under the weight of a hiker. Do not cross if you hear a stream flowing under the snow.

Even on flat stretches, walking through soft snow can quickly become tiring and unpleasant. We recommend waiting until the snow melts before crossing the highest mountain passes.