Pic de Chamoissière (3207m/10,521ft)

The Pic de Chamoissière (3207m/10,521ft) is an aesthetic mountain within the Écrins massif with a variety of climbs. From Arsine, located by the small village of the Pied du Col (1660m/5,446ft), we start our climb and cross the Pas d'Anna Falque, the entrance of the Romanche valley. This incredibly beautiful plateau is where we find the source of the Romanche river. In the wintertime it is covered with a deep layer of snow, and its both wild and magnificent. We hike part way up this valley and walk by the Alpe de Villar d'Arène mountain hut (2077m/6814ft). From there, our goal is clearly in sight. We head southwest towards the Col d'Arsine but turn right before the pass and start ascending the Cret gully. This winding gully is an excellent introduction to this type of alpinism. It gradually narrows and gets steeper but the last part broadens and leads to the summit on our right. The view of the surrounding mountains is jaw-dropping. Depending on the conditions, we will climb down via the Baïonnette couloir or follow a ridge down to the pass. Grade: 3 Vertical: +1540m (5,052ft) from Arsine (+250m/820ft of gully) / about 8 hours