PROGRAM
One of the most coveted destinations in the Massif des Écrins. The Barre boasts an unmistakeable shape that has mountaineers flocking to it in scores, although many of them stop at the rounded summit of the nearby Dome de Neige des Écrins (4,015 m). The normal ascent route is mostly the same as that of the Dome, following a steep slope until under the Pic Lory (4,088 m). Then it moves up the ridge, with a few easy climbing pitches leading to the summit (4,102 m).
GROUP DEPARTURES
Difference in altitude: 1,300 m
Ascent time: 5-6 hours
Meeting point: meeting at Ailefroide in the morning; equipment check and a short briefing in the parking lot of Pré de Madame Carle (1,874 m), in Vallouise.
We follow the trail to the Refuge du Glacier Blanc (2,542 m), then a final section on glacier leads us to the Refuge des Écrins (3,175 m), where we can admire the extraordinary view of the Barre des Ecrins at sunset.
Dinner and overnight stayin the hut.
Difference in altitude: 1,300 m
Ascent time: 5-6 hours
Meeting point: meeting at Ailefroide in the morning; equipment check and a short briefing in the parking lot of Pré de Madame Carle (1,874 m), in Vallouise.
We follow the trail to the Refuge du Glacier Blanc (2,542 m), then a final section on glacier leads us to the Refuge des Écrins (3,175 m), where we can admire the extraordinary view of the Barre des Ecrins at sunset.
Dinner and overnight stayin the hut.
Difference in altitude: 930 m
Ascent/descent time: 10-12 hours
Donned our headlamps, we leave before dawn and go up the mostly-flat Glacier Blanc (White Glacier). At the base, the track suddenly becomes steep, then cuts diagonally until reaching the top of the Dome de Neige (4,015 m).
At last, we climb up the highly enjoyable western ridge to gain the summit (4,102 m).
We descend by the same route down to Pré de Madame Carle and head back to our cars.
Difference in altitude: 930 m
Ascent/descent time: 10-12 hours
Donned our headlamps, we leave before dawn and go up the mostly-flat Glacier Blanc (White Glacier). At the base, the track suddenly becomes steep, then cuts diagonally until reaching the top of the Dome de Neige (4,015 m).
At last, we climb up the highly enjoyable western ridge to gain the summit (4,102 m).
We descend by the same route down to Pré de Madame Carle and head back to our cars.
DETAILS
RATES
- the assistance of a UIAGM/IFMGA certified Mountain Guide
- liability insurance
- safety gear used by the Guide (eg rope)
- booking assistance service (including assistance for refuges and lifts reservation)
The rate does not include
- research and rescue insurance with UVGAM coverage (recommended): €5 per person for 3 days
- the hiring of any personal equipment (harness, ice axe, crampons and helmet): €30/day per person while supplies last
- the Mountain Guide’s expenses (lifts, transfers, meals and accommodation) to be covered by participants
- transfers, meals and accommodation
- transfers
- anything that is not mentioned under "The rate includes"
