Râteau ouest (3769m/12,365ft)

Together with la Meije and the Pic Gaspard, the Râteau forms an impressive face separating the Romanche and Vénéon valleys. The lift of la Grave-la Meije takes us to the Col des Ruillans (3200m/10498ft), the starting point of this rather friendly climb, which is an ideal introduction to winter alpinism. From there, we quickly set foot onto the Girose glacier and progress roped up across the glacier for the first part of the day. We gradually climb up on an even slope and reach a steeper section which allows us to reach the Col de la Girose (3514m/11,528ft). The views of the Grandes Rousses massif and Mont Blanc in the background are simply breathtaking. A snow slope brings us directly to the base of the ridge. The climbing is on good quality rock and is technically easy, with ideal pitches for a gentle introduction to this type of alpinism; the upper part being slightly more difficult. Once at the top, the panorama is stunning for we stand right next to la Meije and the feeling of verticality is intense: the village of La Grave lies 2500 meters (8,202ft) below us! We will descend via the same itinerary, climbing and/or abseiling down the ridge and quickly reaching the glacier and the Col des Ruillans, the starting point of our climb. Vertical: +570m (1,870ft) / between 4 and 5 hours round-trip