EXPERIENCE Stay

My first 4000

Glacier techniques and ascent of the Dôme des Ecrins (4015m)

Three days during which you will discover the fascinating world of the high mountains. You will learn some glacier techniques -such as putting on crampons and crevasse rescue- and make the ascent of a 4000+, the Dôme des Ecrins (4015m). With a high elevation but technically easy, it is the ideal summit for a very first 4000. It is located at the foot of the Barre des Ecrins and its normal route is a stunning classic. From its summit, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the west ridge of the Barre des Ecrins and of almost the entire Alps. On a clear day, you can indeed contemplate the Matterhorn in Switzerland and the Monte Rosa in Italy. Its first ascent was completed by Emmanuel Boileau de Castelnau, Gaspard and his son less than a month before their tremendous feat in the south face of La Meije.

HOW DIFFICULT WILL THE TRIP BE?


WHAT LEVEL OF PHYSICAL FITNESS DO I NEED?


WHAT WILL HAPPEN ON EACH DAY?

Day 1

The meeting point is at the Bureau des Guides de la Grave for an equipment checking. Then, we take the Téléphérique des Glaciers de La Meije up to the Col des Ruillans (3200m). From there, we will hike to the Dôme de la Lauze (3532m), learning some alpinism techniques such as putting on crampons, roping ourselves up on a glacier and crevasse rescue. We take the téléphérique back down to la Grave and spend the night in a bed and breakfast.

Day 2

We drive through Vallouise and Ailefroide before reaching the Pré de Madame Carle (1874m). The path first goes through some forest cover and winds up to reach the seracs zone of the tip of the Glacier Blanc. We follow its right rim up to the Glacier Blanc mountain hut (2250m) and walk away from the glacier before getting closer to it in the zone of the sharp break that marks the edge of the glacial plateau. The Ecrins mountain hut (3170m), perched on its rocky spur, is soon wihtin reach. The sight of the Barre des Ecrins, the Dôme des Ecrins and the Glacier Blanc is absolutely breathtaking.

1300m vertical - about 4 hours.

Night in the hut.

Day 3

We start our ascent at 3 am to take advantage of the refreezing. We set foot on the glacier and begin our long hike along its left rim up to the Col des Ecrins. The sunrise over the surrounding peaks is absolutely gorgeous. The north face of the Barre des Ecrins is truly massive with its huge seracs and crevasses. At 3300m, we cross the glacier and continue our way east through this maze to reach the base of the Barre des Ecrins. We cross the bergschrund and get to the Brèche Lory (3974m). From there, we quickly reach the summit of the Dôme des Ecrins (4015m). The view of the east ridge of the Barre des Ecrins, the Pelvoux and the huge plateau of the Glacier Blanc is mind-blowing.

900m vertical from the hut to the summit - about 4 hours. 

740.0 €

This Price is for a maximum number of participants: 3

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Price per person, all inclusive.
3 people minimum for a departure

INCLUDED

Outing with a certified mountain guide or instructor

Professional Civil Liability Insurance

Group technical gear (rope…)

Picnic for during the day

Lift Pass

Lodging costs for clients and guide

NOT INCLUDED

Personal Accident Insurance

Water Bottle or thermos, food and snacks

backpack (around 35L)

sun glasses, cap and sun cream

helmet

harness

Mountain boots that work with crampons

Classic mountaineering ice axe. Crampons with ANTI-SNOW system that fit your mountaineering boots.

Club Alpin ID card, insurance card or information, Alpine Club card (if you have one)

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)

Appropriate clothing for your activity and the weather

drinks

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Alp dome des ecrins
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Contact Us

Address

Rn 1091 place du téléphérique,
05320 la grave France

Phone Number

+33 476 799 021