From Pointe Estienne to the Barre des Écrins with Nico and Caro: a mountaineering course shaped by the weather, rocky ridges and magical Brocken spectres.
I’m getting to know Nico and Caro, who’ve just arrived from Belgium. While this flat country may not be a particularly well-known destination for mountaineering, it does, however, produce an impressive number of climbers whose motivation is matched only by their love of beer!
The plan for our five days together is to reach the summit of the Barre des Écrins, conditions permitting.
Nico and Caro have grown fond of this beautiful mountain range, which, of course, is fine by me!
Pointe Estienne: First Test Run
A first test run at Pointe Estienne, above the Glacier Blanc, to make sure my climbing partners could handle the rock…
A successful test—a good sign for the future!
Arête des Cinéastes: The Magic of Clouds
To explore all this a little further, we’re heading out to Pointe des Cinéastes, a place that needs no introduction!
Today, the mountain is completely enchanted. The sea of clouds will keep us entertained for part of the morning.
The atmosphere is magical, and Brocken specters appear in the landscape…
Barre des Écrins: Seizing the Right Opportunity
On the third day, the plan was to take a hike around the western part of the Râteau, before heading up to the Barre on the fourth and fifth days.
In the end, the weather forced us to cut our itinerary short. So we headed up to the Écrins refuge to try our luck at La Barre the very next day.
That choice will cost you!
Despite the shortened preparation time, Nico and Caro are doing great up there, and we reached the summit early, with incredible weather!
The summit is celebrated just as Belgians would: with a beer in hand!
Practical Info / Route Topo
J1 — Pointe Estienne
- A first route above the Glacier Blanc to get to know each other and see how Nico and Caro move on rock. The test run goes well and gets our Barre des Écrins project off to a good start.
J2 — Cinéastes ridge
- A day of climbing in mountain boots on the Cinéastes ridge. Clouds play around the summits, creating a special atmosphere with a few Brocken spectres along the way.
J3 — Up to the Écrins hut
- The weather encourages us to bring the Barre ascent forward. We drop the planned Râteau outing and head to the Écrins hut to catch the following day’s window.
J4 — Barre des Écrins summit
- Despite the shorter preparation, Nico and Caro move confidently, and we reach the summit early in fantastic weather. Our Belgian friends have brought just the thing to celebrate: a summit beer!
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