There are two options for reaching the Girose Glacier at the top of the La Grave - La Meije cable car. These excursions offer an opportunity to discover mountaineering and the magnificent world of glaciers via routes that are not technically difficult, in the heart of the Ecrins massif in the Hautes-Alpes.
Although they have shrunk slightly in recent years, the Girose and Mont de Lans glaciers together form the largest ice cap in France (6 km from east to west). Compared to its neighbours, the Tabuchet, the Meije glacier, the Enfetchores and the Râteau glacier, which are only accessible to mountaineers and extreme skiers, the Girose glacier is less formidable. It spreads out in shades of blue, white and grey on a gentle slope with rounded shapes at the foot of the Ruillans station, the arrival point of the La Grave cable car. Its crevasses and seracs are within reach of almost everyone – provided you are accompanied by a high mountain guide and roped up, of course. The view is never tiresome: from Vercors to Mont Blanc, from Vanoise to Mont Thabor, the beautiful peaks of Ecrins and Oisans stretch as far as the eye can see, and then, beside us, the majestic Meije.
– The glacier walk – 1.5 hours:
Take the cable car up and, accompanied by a high mountain guide, come and explore the Girose glacier at the foot of La Meije in the heart of the Ecrins for your first taste of mountaineering. Take advantage of the clear morning light to enjoy this easy walk, which requires no technical knowledge. You will get close to the crevasses and admire the seracs. It is accessible to everyone, even children aged 6 and over. Every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, booking required.
– Glacier hiking:
You set off on a short day trip with crampons from the top of the cable car on the glacier, and generally climb up to the Dôme de la Lauze. The guide will adapt the itinerary and route to your level. Cable car departures are usually at 8:30 a.m., but you can plan this with your guide depending on the conditions at the time. This is an ideal outing for experienced walkers who want to venture a little further into the world of mountaineering.
Meet at 8:30 a.m. in front of the patrol hut at the bottom of the cable car.
Meet at 11 a.m. at the top of the cable car in front of the ice cave hut (allow 1 hour to climb up).
Meet at 1.30pm at the top of the cable car in front of the ice cave hut (allow 1 hour to climb up)
Meet at 8.30am at the guides’ office
Outing with a certified hiking guide
Professional Civil Liability Insurance
Group technical gear (rope…)
Personal accident insurance
Cable car pass
Clothing suitable for the activity and weather conditions: Long clothing, sun protection (sunglasses, hat, sun cream) and cold weather protection (windbreaker, gloves, hat, neck warmer, etc.)
Good waterproof hiking boots,
Water bottle or thermos, snacks, food for the hike
Sunglasses, hat and sun cream
Additionally for glacier hiking:
Backpack (approx. 35 litres), helmet, harness, a pair of mountain boots suitable for crampons, hiking poles (recommended), classic ice axe. Crampons with anti-boot attachments adjusted to your boots (All equipment can be hired from Skiset shop in La Grave)
Picnic for day activities
Transport to the activity location
Glacier walk: Sporting activity for all ages from 6 years old.
Glacier hike: If you are regular hikers and want to go higher, we are here to accompany you on your first steps up there. We will take the time to teach you the basic techniques for mountain hiking.
Glacier walk: Be sufficiently fit and have no medical contraindications.
Glacier hike: Be fit and exercise regularly. Be comfortable walking for 3 to 5 hours a day at a leisurely, steady pace, carrying a light rucksack (picnic, drinks and clothing for the day).