An introductory mountaineering experience designed for beginners, set in the exceptional surroundings of the Glacier Blanc. The itinerary includes an introduction to glacier hiking, a night in a mountain hut, and the ascent of a beautiful, accessible peak above the Glacier Blanc.
Two days to explore the high mountains at your own pace, build confidence, and—above all—have fun, with no technical challenges and no prior mountaineering experience required.
Who is this trip for?
This trip is designed for people with no prior mountaineering experience but who are in good physical condition and accustomed to hiking for several hours in the mountains. You must be able to handle two consecutive days with up to approximately 900 meters of elevation gain.
Day 1 – Exploring the Blanc Glacier
In the morning, you’ll hike on your own from Pré de Madame Carle along the trail that leads to the Glacier Blanc refuge. We’ll meet on the terrace of the Glacier Blanc refuge in the early afternoon (2:00 p.m.). Together, we’ll prepare for our afternoon glacier exploration. You can leave any extra gear at the refuge where we’ll be staying tonight. We’ll head up to the Glacier Blanc, about 200 meters higher up. From there, we’ll set off on a unique glacier hike during which you’ll learn how to walk roped-up and the basics of using crampons in an incredible setting! In the late afternoon, we’ll return to the refuge. Dinner and overnight stay at the refuge.
Elevation Gain: About 850 m | Maximum Elevation: About 2,700 m | Accommodations: Dinner and overnight stay at the Glacier Blanc mountain hut
Day 2 – Climb the Pic du Glacier d’Arsine (3,365 m)
Early morning departure from the Glacier Blanc refuge toward the Pic du Glacier d’Arsine. This relatively easy climb will give you the chance to take your first steps on rock or use crampons on the snowy slopes near the summit, depending on conditions. This summit, located on the mountain range bordering the left bank of the Glacier Blanc, offers an exceptional view of the Ecrins, Cerces, Vanoise, and Mont Blanc massifs—to name just the most famous ones! We’ll then descend the same way we ascended, back to the Glacier Blanc refuge. The group splits up at the refuge.
Elevation gain: 800 m | Elevation loss: approximately 1,500 m | Maximum elevation: 3,365 m
Technical Details
Booking & advice by phone available
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