A 5-day mountaineering training course designed for those wishing to learn or develop the techniques needed for high-mountain climbing on glacial, snowy or mixed terrain in the Ecrins massif, around la Grave la Meije.
We’ll ease you into the week by a session at a local climbing site to check the skills we’ll be needing on the mountain and to cover specific techniques. We’ll then be putting them into practice in high-mountain terrain at levels F to PD (easy to slightly difficult).
Between each of the valley hostels and high-altitude huts, we’ll have time to exchange ideas and reflect on how best to adapt to changing weather and mountain conditions.
Mountaineering beginners with some basic climbing experience.
Day 1
Meet at 9am at the hostel. Welcome, course presentation and equipment briefing. Session at the climbing site to learn and review various rope techniques specific to high-mountain environments.
Overnight stay in a hostel in the valley
Meeting point: 9am at the gîte.
Accommodation: group hostel
Day 2
A day devoted to glacier crossing and safety.
Ascent by La Grave cable car. Overnight stay at the Chancel hut
Lodging: Chancel hut
Day 3
We will be aiming to summit either the Dôme de la Lauze or Râteau Ouest with a glacier approach. Return to the valley by cable car.
Overnight stay in a hostel in the valley
Accommodation: Group hostel in the valley
Day 4
Climb to the mountain hut Adèle Planchard and revise rope techniques.
Overnight stay at Adèle Planchard
Lodging: Adèle Planchard mountain hut
Day 5
Ascent of the Giraud/Lézin Notch, and, if possible, the summit of the Grande Ruine.
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 you and the guide)
Collective technical equipment (ropes, etc.)
Half-board (breakfast + evening meal) in valley hostels 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, one screw-in carabiner, one ice screw, 2 rings of 1 m. long cord, 1 strap of 1.5 m, long, 4 carabiners)
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.
You need to be in good physical shape and regularly practice an endurance sport such as walking, cycling, running, swimming, etc. You should envisage a 5 to 8 hour day on the mountain, equipped with a backpack weighing around 10 kg.