A 5-day course for those who want to go that bit further in their quest for autonomy in the glaciated or mixed high mountains of the Ecrins massif and around La Grave la Meije.
After a refresher course at a local climbing spot to check that everyone has the basic skills needed, we’ll put our skills into practice throughout this 5-day high mountain trip, ranging from F+ to PD+ (easy to slightly difficult) levels.
Based mainly in high-altitude refuges, we’ll have time to develop a range of technical skills as well as our ability and confidence in decision-making.
Anyone who already has some mountaineering experience and wants to become more autonomous in their personal mountaineering.
Day 1
Meet at 9am at the guiding bureau in La Grave Guide. Introductions, course presentation and equipment briefing.
Leave for the climbing site to revise various skills, including rope techniques specific to the high mountain environment.
In the early afternoon, hike up to the Goléon refuge.
Meeting point: 9am at the Guide Bureau
Accommodation: Refuge du Goléon.
Day 2
Ascension of the Goléon (3427m). We will use this opportunity to establish the roped parties and put into practice the mountaineering techniques revised on Day 1.
Descend back down the mountain and into the valley, night in a hostel in La Grave.
Accommodation: Hostel in La Grave/Villar d’Arene
Day 3
Take the cable car up to the Girose glacier. Cross over to the Selle hut, working on glacier safety.
Stay overnight at the Selle hut.
Accommodation: Refuge de la Selle
Day 4
Our objective is the south face of the Replat, a combination of steep glacier and ridge routes. We will have the opportunity to study and plan out the route for the following day.
Overnight at la Selle refuge.
Accommodation : Refuge de la Selle
Day 5
Cross the Col de la Girose and, depending on the timing, climb the Râteau Ouest.
Return to the valley via the La Grave cable car.
The day will come to a close around 5:30pm, after a final debriefing.
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, 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 climb and hike regularly, have already done an introductory course to mountaineering or easy mountaineering itineraries and want to become more independent. You already have basic knowledge of rope handling.
It’s important that you are in good physical shape and regularly practice an endurance sport such as walking, cycling, running, swimming. You should be prepared for a 5- to 8-hour day’s sport, equipped with a backpack weighing around ten kilos.