A first mountaineering weekend in the Écrins with Damien, Guillaume, Alain, Céline and Thomas: crampon skills, Pic d’Arsine and good company at the hut.
Barely enough time to say goodbye to my previous companions, and a fresh burst of energy arrives! Damien, Guillaume, Alain, Céline and Thomas don’t know each other when we meet on the hut terrace.
Everyone quickly gets along, and we head onto the Glacier Blanc to learn crampon techniques. Just enough ice is starting to emerge for us to practise… The evening brings good company and a little introduction to the local alcoholic specialities!
Pic d’Arsine: an early start and an airy ridge
Up at 4 a.m. to climb Pic d’Arsine. Despite last night’s discoveries, everyone is present and ready to go this morning. We make good progress: the overnight freeze is still good today, apart from a few very short sections where we sink into the snow!
No difficulties until the foot of the final slope on Pic d’Arsine. Here, we rope up and concentrate. There’s a good track, but misplaced steps aren’t particularly welcome on this 45° slope. The remaining climb to the summit is easier. Up there, we enjoy magical views across a large part of the Alps.
A small variation on the descent: we follow the ridge, with its wonderfully airy atmosphere! Early in the season, the snow helps with progress. Rock spikes provide natural protection points without needing to place nuts or cams. From the bottom of the slope, all that’s left is to head down to the glacier and the hut.
See you soon for another mountain outing!
Practical Info / Route Topo
Day 1 — Crampon skills on the Glacier Blanc
- Meet Damien, Guillaume, Alain, Céline and Thomas at the hut, then head onto the Glacier Blanc to learn crampon techniques. Everyone soon gets acquainted, with a friendly evening and a few local specialities to keep the conversation flowing!
Day 2 — Pic d’Arsine ascent
- Set off at 4 a.m. and climb on well-refrozen snow. Rope up for the final 45° slope, then enjoy the summit and views across the Alps. Descend by a ridge variation, between snow and rock spikes, before returning to the glacier and hut.
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