An opportunity to discover the foundations of mountaineering and to climb a 3000m peak, the Goléon, offering magnificent views of the Meije and the Râteau.
This 3 day experience departing from La Grave allows you to discover the fascinating high-mountain world at your own pace.
For good hikers who want to learn more about mountaineering.
Day 1
RDV at 8:30am at the guiding office in La Grave guide office to meet the team and check over your equipment. We’ll then take the cable car to the Col des Ruillans (3200m).
From here, we’ll head off in the direction of the Dôme de la Lauze (3532m). This will be an opportunity to try out the crampons and discover roped walking on a glacier. We’ll stop for a picnic at the summit, where we can admire the objective of our course: the Goléon (3427m).
A gentle descent, saving our knees, thanks to the cable car, followed by an overnight stay in a gîte in La Grave.
Accommodation: Group gite in the valley
Day 2
We’ll use the morning to discover the other key aspect to mountaineering : climbing. The idea is to learn a few basic skills that will enable you to climb the Goléon more serenely. The area around La Grave offers several very suitable sites.
After a picnic in the countryside, we’ll leave our cars at the hamlet of Valfroide (1874m), then take a leisurely climb to the hut on the edge of lake Goléon (2438m). We’ll be spending the night at this hut.
Accommodation : Refuge du Goléon
Day 3
Early departure by headlamp to take advantage of optimal refreezing conditions. We’ll pass by the old Carraud refuge on our way to the Col Lombard. Just before the Col Lombard, we’ll veer to the left and climb up the Glacier Lombard. An easy ridge of broken rock takes us to the summit (3427m). The descent follows the same route.
We take a short break at the refuge to collect our belongings left behind on the way up, and then return to the valley.
This program is subject to change, depending on weather and snow conditions, as well as fatigue and technical abilities. Please refer to the general sales conditions.
Supervision by a qualified mountain guide or instructor
Professional liability insurance
Picnic for each day’s activities
Accommodation for clients and guide
Collective technical equipment (ropes, etc.)
Half-board (breakfast + evening meal) in valley gîtes and mountain huts.
Personal accident insurance
Cancellation insurance
Transport to the activity site and cab shuttle or return
Individual equipment (see equipment list)
Drinks in gîtes or mountain huts
Identity papers, insurance contract, Club Alpin card if applicable
1 rucksack (approx. 30L)
1 pair of hiking or mountaineering trousers
1 pair of windproof overtrousers
1 windproof or rainproof jacket (such as Goretex)
1 warm fleece-type garment
1 breathable undergarment (such as Carline)
hiking socks
ski gloves or mittens + small gloves
beanie hat
sunglasses (category 4 recommended)
cap
sun cream SPF 50
water bottle
personal first-aid kit (first aid and protection for blisters…). )
Sleeping bag liner (to be used with the provided sleeping bags and blankets in the refuges) and toiletries (no shower in refuge)
Personal technical equipment (helmet, harness, cramponable boots, crampons with boot protector, classic ice axe, trekking poles).
Everything not mentioned above under “this price includes”
You’re a regular hiker and have a basic knowledge of climbing and want to go higher. We’re here to help you progress. We’ll take the time to learn about specific tools and safety techniques, as well as to discover the local environment.
It’s important that you are in good physical shape and regularly practice an endurance sport such as walking, cycling, running, swimming. You should envisage a 5 to 8 hour day on the mountain, equipped with a backpack weighing around 10 kg.