Râteau Ouest in winter (3,769 m) – West ridge – Ecrins Massif

Along with La Meije and Pic Gaspard, Le Râteau is the third major sentinel north of the Écrins massif. Clearly visible from the village of La Grave, it is a rampart with two summits, Le Râteau Est (3,809 m) and Le Râteau Ouest (3,769 m), supported by the imposing north face. The west ridge of Râteau Ouest is our goal here: a relatively short route, its varied passages lend themselves to winter mountaineering with moderate difficulties and a grandiose high-mountain setting! In the heart of the Hautes Vallées, come and climb this summit facing the magnificent Emparis plateau. From the arrival point of the La Grave cable car at the Col des Ruillans at 3,200 meters, we set off roped together on the Girose glacier and climb its characteristic curve directly below the Pointe Dosia. We reach 3,514 meters at the Col de la Girose, then climb up a snowy slope to the ridge itself. This is where the climbing begins: small snow-covered ledges, breaches and slightly difficult rock faces lead us to the summit in an increasingly airy atmosphere. From the summit, an undeniably beautiful viewpoint, the view of the Alps is exceptional and vertiginous towards the village of La Grave, 2,500 meters below. The descent is made by downclimbing and possibly a few rappels via the same route, then again via the Girose glacier to the Col des Ruillans. Elevation gain: 570 m – Time: 4 to 5 hours round trip to the Col des Ruillans.