Five days designed for those who wish to perfect the techniques required for high-altitude rock climbing, traditional climbing and, in particular, ridge routes in the Meije region, starting from the Pavé mountain hut.
We’ll be getting off to a gentle start by revising and perfecting various rope and mountaineering techniques, before putting them into practice up on the mountain, at an altitude between 2400m and 3600m. The first part of this trip will be based in the valley and as such we’ll be staying in a hostel, or ‘gîte’, at the foot of the mountain. We will then move up to a high-altitude refuge, operating from a central base in order to maximize time for exchange and minimize fatigue. This programme is subject to change as we will have to adapt to the varying weather and mountain conditions, as well as to each of the participants. The guide leading the program may decide to modify it for safety reasons. Days 3 to 5 may also be swapped over, due to the places available in the refuge or weather conditions that are not conducive to high-altitude ascents.
This is not your first mountaineering trip.
You’ve already got some crag climbing experience and led a climb that’s graded 5a.
Day 1
Meet at 9am at the gite. We’ll host a welcome meeting, present the course, and carry out an equipment briefing. We’ll then head to the climbing site (Les Balmes or Arsine) to revise your skills and learn techniques specific to equipped multi-pitch routes.
Overnight stay in a hostel in the valley.
Meeting point: 9am at the hostel
Accommodation: Group hostel
Day 2
This day will be devoted to the ascension of a semi-equipped mountain route, in order to become familiarised with the different methods of ridge climbing. Depending on the level and experience of the group, we can choose between the Fréaux ridge or the south-east spur of Roche Robert.
Overnight stay in a hostel in the valley.
Accommodation: Group hostel
Day 3
Climb up to the Pavé refuge and then, depending on levels of fatigue, either we can climb below the refuge or we can take the time to revise and prepare for the following day’s routes.
Overnight stay in a mountain hut.
Accommodation: Refuge du Pavé
Day 4
Climb to point Emma.
Overnight stay in a mountain hut.
Accommodation: Pavé refuge
Day 5
Climb to the Pic Nord des Cavales. Descente back down into the valley and debrief. The day will come to a close around 5pm.
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…). )
Everything not mentioned above under “this price includes”
This is not your first mountaineering trip/stay.
You are already climbing at level 5a as a lead climber and independently in natural sites.
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.