5 days designed for those who want to learn or improve the techniques required for high-altitude rock climbing, traditional climbing and, in particular, the Oisans ridge routes, with the Soreiller refuge as our base camp!
We will start gently at a climbing school to validate the necessary skills and learn specific techniques, then put them into practice in high mountain terrain between 2,400m and 3,600m.
The first part of this trip will be based in a valley lodge, then we will climb to a high-altitude refuge, based in a star pattern to allow more time for discussion and minimise fatigue.
This programme is indicative only, as we will need to adapt to the weather, mountain conditions and participants. Ultimately, the guide is the sole judge of the programme and may modify it for safety reasons. Days 3 to 5 may be interchanged due to hut availability or weather conditions unsuitable for high-altitude climbing.
Day 1
Meet at 9am at the lodge. Welcome, presentation of the course and equipment briefing. Departure for the climbing school site (Les Balmes or Arsine) to validate skills and learn techniques specific to equipped or traditional multi-pitch routes.
Overnight stay in a lodge in the valley.
Day 2
A day devoted to climbing a semi-equipped mountain route to familiarise yourself with the different ways of progressing on ridges. Depending on the conditions and the group’s fitness level, we will choose between the Fréaux ridge, the SE spur of Roche Robert or the Aiguille Noir in the Cerces.
Night in a lodge in the valley.
Day 3
Climb to the Soreiller refuge, then, depending on how tired we are, rest,
safety exercises on the move, or a short multi-pitch route.
Night in a high-altitude refuge.
Day 4
We move towards the South Ridge of the Occidentale du Soreiller to work on route choice, placing protection and moving on a tight rope.
Night at the high-altitude refuge.
Day 5
Normal route up the Aiguille de la Dibona, and why not push on to the summit of the Aiguille Central du Soreiller! Descent and return.
Professional liability insurance
Collective technical equipment (rope, etc.)
Half-board costs (breakfast + evening meal)
Accommodation costs for clients and guide
Supervision by a high mountain guide or state-certified instructor
Picnic for day-long activities
Personal accident insurance
Clothing suitable for the activity and weather conditions
Water bottle or thermos flask, snacks, food for the climb
Rucksack (approx. 35 litres)
Sunglasses, cap and sun cream
Helmet
Harness
Climbing shoes
A pair of mountain boots suitable for crampons
Transport to the activity location and shuttle buses or taxi returns
Hiking poles (recommended)
Standard ice axe. Crampons with anti-boot attachments fitted to your boots
Sleeping bag liner and minimal toiletries (no showers in the refuge)
Small first aid kit tailored to your personal needs, including Elastoplast and Compeed for any blisters
Descender + screw carabiner, lanyard, auto-locking device, a few slings and carabiners
Drinks
If you are regular hikers and want to go higher, we are here to accompany you on your first steps up there: on snow, rock, and sometimes both at the same time, we will take the time to discover the basic techniques related to mountain activities.
You must be in good physical shape. You should regularly practise an endurance sport such as walking, cycling, running, swimming, etc. You should be comfortable with a 5- to 8-hour day of physical activity, carrying a rucksack weighing around 10 kg.