The original and complete traverse of la Meije, one of the most iconic ski traverses in the Alps
The complete Tour de la Meije is a prestigious ski touring itinerary around one of the most aesthetic mountains of the Alps, la Meije, and in the heart of the Ecrins massif. We offer you the opportunity to do this original variation of the Tour de la Meije over four days and experience a ski traverse in an absolutely stunning environment, combining long descents and beautiful climbs. This version of the Tour de la Meije is truly an outstanding ski mountaineering journey. A must for freeride and ski touring lovers!
Jour 1
The small village of the Pied du Col (1660m / 5,446ft) is the starting point of our journey and we set off towards the Adèle Planchard mountain hut (3169m / 10,396ft). It is a long way up through magnificent landscapes: we first cross the Pas d’Anna Falque, the gateway to the valley of the source of the Romanche river. The majestic Agneaux peak stands in front of our eyes and we head right. At the junction with the path leading to the Pavé mountain hut, we skin towards the wild Vallon de la Plate des Agneaux. The slope becomes steeper in the final part, and we eventually reach the Adèle Planchard mountain hut, located at the foot of the Grande Ruine peak in a breathtaking high mountain environment, the summit of the Barre des Ecrins sticking out in the background. Night in the mountain hut.
Vertical: +1500m (4,921ft) from the Pied du Col to the Adèle Planchard mountain hut
Jour 2
After an early wake-up call, a climb leads us to the summit of the Pointe Breevort (3765m / 12,352ft), the highest peak of the Grande Ruine. From there, we can enjoy one of the most beautiful panoramas over the Ecrins massif! We enjoy our first ski descent of the trip down to the Col des Neiges (3348m / 10,984ft) then we briefly skin up to the Col de la Casse Déserte (3483m / 11,427ft), and enter the Vallon des Etançons. A great ski descent allows us to reach the Châtelleret mountain hut (2232m / 7,322ft) and then we skin up to the Promontoire mountian hut (3092m / 10,144ft), nestled into the impressive south face of la Meije. Night in the mountain hut.
Vertical: -1533m (5,029ft) from the Grande Ruine to the Châtelleret mountain hut
+860m (2,821ft) from the Châtelleret mountain hut to the Promontoire mountain hut
Jour 3
From the Promontoire mountain hut, we climb to the Brèche de la Meije (3357m / 11,013ft) to access the north face of la Meije. We cross the bergschrund and enjoy skiing across the top of the glacier of la Meije, at the foot of the impressive north face of la Meije. We reach the base of the Serret du Savon couloir (3399m / 11,151ft), and climb it with our skis on our backpacks. Once at the top, we traverse across the Tabuchet glacier, leading us to the Aigle mountain hut (3450m / 11,318ft), perched on a rocky outcrop in a stunning high mountain environment. Night in the mountain hut.
Vertical: +250m (820ft) from the Promontoire mountain hut to the Brèche de la Meije
-350m (1,148ft) from the Brèche de la Meije to the base of the Serret du Savon couloir
+400m (1,280ft) from the base of the Serret du Savon to the Aigle mountain hut
We will have the choice for our final ski descent between the glacier de l’Homme and the Tabuchet glacier. Either way, it will be fantastic skiing, combining a very long descent in a fabulous setting! Arsine or La Grave will be the final destination of this exceptional four ski touring adventure around la Meije!
Outing with a certified mountain guide or instructor
Professional Civil Liability Insurance
Group technical gear (rope…)
Transceiver, shovel, probe, harness
Personal Accident Insurance
Appropriate clothing for your activity (long-johns, fleece/softshell jacket, down jacket, gore-tex jacket, ski pants, ski socks, warm hat, warm gloves, thin gloves)
Ski goggles, sunglasses, sunscreen
Water Bottle or thermos, food and snacks
Ski touring skis, skins, ski crampons, ski touring boots, poles
helmet
Classic mountaineering ice axe. Crampons with ANTI-SNOW system that fit your mountaineering boots.
Avalanche airbag backpack
backpack that can fit your shovel and probe INSIDE the pack (around 35L)
Small first aid kit for your personal needs and that contains material in case of blisters
Sleeping bag liner (to be used with the provided blankets at the refuges) and small toiletry kit (no showers in the refuge)
Club Alpin ID card, insurance card or information, Alpine Club card (if you have one)
Picnic for during the day
Meal costs for clients and guide
Lodging costs for clients and guide
You regularly ski tour in the backcountry with day tours or multi day tours. The accumulation of efforts does not scare you and you can link together multiple climbs and descents in all snow conditions. You are comfortable on steeper slopes for the climb and the descent.
You are in very good physical shape. You are able to easily climb and ski all day with a backpack between 10-15kg, depending on the technical level of the trip.