Introduction to Mountaineering Ecrins— 2 Days

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