The Replat-Bérarde Traverse

The Replat-Bérarde ski traverse is a beautiful journey over the course of one day, during which we will cross two mountain passes, three glaciers and ski below the huge South face of la Meije to reach La Bérarde, a remote hamlet at the end of the road in the heart of the Oisans massif. Starting our day from La Grave, we first take the lift up to the Gare des Ruillans (3200m / 10,498ft). Our itinerary begins at the Dôme de la Lauze (3568m / 11,706ft), at the top of the ski lift on the Girose glacier. From there, we ski down an impressive south-facing slope of 1000 vertical meters (3,280ft) and reach the Vallon de la Selle. The sight of the north faces of the Soreiller is impressive. At the end of the glacier, we can see the two saddle-shaped peaks of the Replat, located on both sides of the Col du Replat (3335m / 10,941ft). We start a long traverse and reach a flat part on the glacier above the seracs, enjoying the views of the south face of the Râteau. The last part leading to the next pass becomes steeper. We move to the other side of the pass through a narrow gap, where a rappel is necessary. The majestic summits of the Grande Ruine and the Barre des Ecrins come into view in the background. A long east-facing descent allows us to have some nice turns to reach the Vallon of the Etançons, while the immense south face of la Meije stands in front of us. We ski by the Chatelleret mountain hut (2232m / 7,322ft), and finish along the left bank of the Etançons mountain stream down to the end of the Vallon de Bonnepierre. The village of la Bérarde is now very close and marks the end of this magnificent ski traverse in the heart of the Ecrins massif! A taxi will drive us back to la Grave. Vertical: -895m (2,936ft) from the Dôme de la Lauze to the Selle mountain hut +660m (2,165ft) from the Selle mountain hut to the Col du Replat -1110m (3,641ft) from the Col du Replat to the Chatelleret mountain hut