Introduction to winter mountaineering with ski touring

We meet at the departure point of the Glaciers de la Meije cable cars in La Grave. The guide checks your equipment and fit you out if necessary. We take the cable car up to the Col des Ruillans at 3211m, the starting point of our ascent. We set foot on the Girose glacier to gear up and rope up. Depending on the group’s ability, we’ll ski tour the glacier. We then head due south towards the summit. At the foot of the steep slope, you can choose to leave your skis at the bottom depending on the conditions. We cross the rimaye and work our way up the slope to reach the pass that separates the summit from another peak further west. From here, you’ll discover a fascinating panorama on the north faces of the Soreiller massif, including the beautiful pyramid of the Aiguille du Plat de la Selle. We then carefully follow a ridge of broken rock and snow to the summit, which is quickly reached. A superb ski descent on the Glacier de la Girose will take you to the Col du Lac, where you can relax and enjoy a drink in the refuge after this colourful and high altitude day...

Night and meal at the Chancel refuge.

Difference in altitude: +450m / - 1160m

We leave the refuge to catch the cable car back to the Girose glacier. After flat sections, there is a steeper slope (40°) that sometimes requires to climb 50m, ideal for learning the techniques of moving around in snow and ice. We then reach the Col de la Girose fairly quickly where we leave our ski equipment. The view on the Oisans and Ecrins mountains is breathtaking. The peaks of the Soreiller massif are in the foreground, followed in the distance by l’Olan, les Bancs, les Rouies, les Ailefroides, la Roche Muzelle, la Tête des Fétoules and of course the Barre and Dôme des Ecrins.
From the col, we’ll head towards the Râteau onto snowy slopes, couloirs and mixed ridges that will take us to the foot of a more upright section. The final section continues on the south-facing slope, first on a mixed route, then on a steep rocky sections and finally on a fine aerial ridge.

The descent is via the same route to the cable car that takes us back to La Grave.

Ascent: + 550m.

Return to the valley and end of our trip late afternoon.

Ascent: + 550m.

NB : The programme is intended as a guide only. It could be modified at any time by the mountain guide for safety reasons, weather conditions or regarding the physical and technical level of the participants.

The aim of this course is to give you a gentle introduction to winter mountaineering. It’s also an opportunity to make you aware of the hazards and specificities associated with snow in the very high mountains, from avalanche dangers to how to move on snow-covered rock (MIXED).
You’ll also learn how to use crampons and ice axes, and discover the rules of high-altitude roped climbing.

2 participants maximum. Departure is guaranteed from 1 participant. You will be notified at least 48 hours before departure in the event of cancellation. Where possible, an alternative solution will be offered.

NB : For cancellation conditions for privatised trips (made up groups) please refer to our conditions of sale.

Hiking in high mountain requires being able to cope with all weather and environmental conditions which can change very quickly. Appropriate equipment guarantees safety and represents an essential part of the success and comfort of your climb/stay.}
You will not necessarily use all the items on this list which but you must nevertheless have them in your bag.

All of this equipment is technical and generally quite expensive. Please note that we offer some of this equipment for rental, they are indicated by a * in the list below, you will find rental prices in the "Gear rental and extras prices" section. Please note, the mountaineering kit that we offer for rental only includes individual technical equipment (mountaineering boots, crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet); clothing (gore tex jacket, soft shell fleece, goretex pants) are not part of it.

Equipment hire and changes to your booking are only possible before payment of the balance of your booking (45 days before departure). We advise you to take the time, upon registration, to list the equipment you already have.No equipment initially rented from ROC ECRINS and not taken or used on the day of departure will be refunded.

Important, if you have your own personal equipment: the legislation regarding P.P.I. (personal protective equipment, this is the helmet, harness, and sunglasses) limits the use of the equipment over time. They can be used for 5 years from the date of purchase. Beyond this date, your equipment is considered to no longer be up to standard. You can find all the information regarding P.P.E. here > www.inrs.fr

Headwear

At high altitudes, snow reflects UV rays and the sun’s rays are not as well filtered by the atmosphere; even a cloudy sky allows 90% of UV rays to pass through, so it is essential to protect yourself against the dangers of the sun.

• A pair of class 4 protection sunglasses is highly recommended for everyone and very strongly recommended for sensitive eyes. They’ll come in handy on a ski holiday too.
• Sun cream high protection (index 50 recommended) for face and lips; remember to take the smallest size possible (no large tubes)
• a cap for the approach walk (prefer a soft model with no large seams that can be worn under the helmet)
• a ski mask (indispensable in case of gusts of wind or snowfall)
• a beanie hat that can be worn under the helmet (without pompoms)
• a helmet* approved for mountaineering ( 5 years max since date of purchase)
• a neck gaiters or Buff(avoid scarves)
• a headlamp with loaded batteries!!!

Bodywear

When making a prolonged effort at altitude, the principle is to be able to layer different garments according to the intensity of the effort and the weather conditions (temperature, wind, snowfall, rain), in order to stay as dry as possible.

NB: ski clothes are not suitable because they are often too warm, too heavy and not very breathable.

Upper body

• First layer: a long-sleeve base layer in a breathable, quick-drying material such as merino, wood fibre..., cotton to be avoided(to protect you from UV rays and for safety in the event of a fall).
  Second layer: a lightweight fleece or soft shell jacket*. Ideally, it should be windproof and breathable. Put it on as soon as the temperature cools, usually when you arrive on the glacier.
• Third layer: a warm, compressible down jacket (synthetic or down, -10°C protection). It will keep you warm during a long stop on the route, at the summit while you take photos, on the refuge terrace, and sometimes even while walking in very cold weather.
  Fourth layer: a gore tex* windproof jacket to protect against rain and snow. This is the waterproof jacket that keeps you dry in bad weather. It must be lightweight and breathable.
• a mountaineering harness* (5 years max from date of purchase)

Lower body

• a thin pair of tights in fleece or cotton, ideally ¾ so as not to make the socks too thick. You’ll need them in case of very cold weather, and you can put them on at the hut at the start of the ascent if necessary. You can also use it as nightwear.
• Mountaineering trousers: mountaineering trousers are water-repellent, windproof, breathable and hard-wearing. You can also take hiking or trekking trousers that aren’t too light (as long as you have a gore tex overtrouser to put over them). NB: mountaineering trousers are not available for hire
• an overtrouser* in GoreTex or equivalent material: these are very light trousers that you put over your trousers in case of rain, wind or snow. They have zips along the legs, so you can put them on quickly at any time without having to remove your shoes.

The hands

• a pair of thin gloves in fleece, softshell or leather for the climbs to the refuge.
• one pair of thicker gloves like ski gloves
• a pair of VERY WARM Mittens (if your ski gloves aren’t warm enough), which you’ll put over the thin gloves when you get to the top and for the descent.

Footwear

• Ski touring skis
• ski touring boots
• ski skins and crampons
• Mountaineering boots* (crampon-compatible): these boots are different from hiking boots. They are rigid, which will enable you to crampon on ice while providing good support for the ankle and crampons. They must also be waterproof and offer excellent protection against the cold.
• Hiking or mountaineering socks : these should be warm and well-fitting and high enough to rise above boot level to avoid overheating. One pair is enough for a 48-hour mountain run. You can also take a pair of very light mini-socks to put on in the refuge in the evening while your pair of technical socks dry.
• a pair of crampons* with anti-boot in good condition and sharp, suitable for your boots,
• a mountaineering ice axe* light and long, suited to your height, it should almost reach the ground when in your hand with your arm extended alongside your body.
• gaiters* which will keep your feet dry in fresh snow; they also prevent crampon points catching on the bottom of your trousers.
  NB: all refuges provide slippers, so you don’t need to take extra shoes.

Guide’s tip for 48-hour tours: as most of the time the refuge is reached on footpaths, you can plan to go up and down in trail trainers (soles with crampons) to protect your feet from the heat that can be caused by the rigidity of mountaineering boots (you’ll need to have your mountaineering boots in your bag). You can leave your trainers at the refuge before setting off on the climb and pick them up on your return.

This adds weight, but it can be very useful for those with sensitive feet - the choice is yours...

And last but not least

• Telescopic walking poles* with snow washers (8 cm minimum diameter ). Not compulsory but highly recommended; they will help you on the way up and take the strain off your knees on the way down.
• water : make sure you have enough water for around 2 litres, ideally a one-litre plastic bottle plus smaller ones (around 25 cl) to keep warm and close to your body in your jacket. Water bags are not suitable for use at high altitude because they freeze! You can use them, but only when going up to the refuge.
• energy food (cereal bars, dried fruit...depending on your habits),
• small thermos 500ML max (not compulsory, a hot drink can be comforting but it adds weight...)
• camera: prefer a small size that you can slip into your pocket, no need to bring a large camera that risks being damaged. Besides, with the cold the battery would be empty very quickly.
• small first aid kit adapted to your personal needs, also containing elastoplast and double-skin dressings for any blisters. If you are taking medication, take only the number of tablets you need. Pack a few paracetamol tablets as it’s not uncommon to suffer from headaches when at altitude.
• micro Toilet Bag: just the bare essentials (toothbrush, mini tube of toothpaste...) and, very important, earplugs for a good night’s sleep in the refuge.
• a bed liner (meat bag): compulsory for nights in refuges. All the refuges are providing pillows and duvets but these are obviously not washed after each passage.
• a bin bag to isolate your wet stuff in case of rain or a waterproof overbag.
• documents always useful to have with you in a small waterproof bag: ID proof, references of your assistance insurance if you haven’t taken out the policy we offer.
• A small amount of cash for personal expenses (drinks, etc.) in the refuges (most of the refuges don’t accept payment by credit card).

And remember, all of the above must fit into:

• A mountain rucksack* of around 35 litres (40 litres max) with ice axe holder and chest strap. The filled rucksack should not exceed 10 kg, including technical equipment (crampons, harness, helmet). Remember that weight is the mountaineer’s enemy. Once you’ve packed your rucksack, there should still be room for a picnic!

You should also bring a second bag (such as a soft travel bag) to store the items you don’t need for the nights at the refuge and to leave in your car.

ROC ECRINS proposes for sale equipment adapted to your activity and your stay DIRECTLY on our premises in L’Argentière-La Bessée where we will welcome you on the first day . Don’t hesitate to ask us for advice or ask your guide on site.

BRANDS ON SALE :

• BEAL (Climbing and mountaineering harnesses, slings, descenders, carabiners, quickdraws, belay gloves, ice pins, climbing bags, headlamps, mountaineering helmets and climbing helmets, single ropes and abseiling ...)
• CAMP (Climbing and mountaineering axes, liquid chalk and chalk)
• SALEWA (Mountaineering shoes)
• CASSIN (Mountaineering crampons)
• ALTITUDE EYEWEAR (Sunglasses category 3 & 4)
• YYVERTICAL (Climbing safety glasses)
• NATURAL PEAK (Technical T-shirts in wood fibre, long and short sleeves and leggings)
• ICEBREAKER (Merino wool technical T-shirts, long and short sleeves and leggings)
• DYNAFIT (Ski touring boots, used and new ski touring skis)
• LES BATONS D’ALAIN (Hiking poles and ski touring)
• LABORATOIRE BIARRITZ (ecological sun cream, body, face & lips)
• COMPEED (Double skin plaster to prevent blisters ...)
• BOULES QUIESS (Ear plugs for good nights in refuges...)

Mountaineering is dependent on different factors that we can sometimes neither anticipate nor control; we may therefore have to modify the programme of our high mountain holidays before or during the stay for various reasons:

• if the weather and/or snow conditions make it impossible to carry out the planned programme and/or
• if there is a delay in the opening or early closure of a ski lift or refuge

In these cases, we will offer you an alternative programme, sometimes on the day of departure, which you may not refuse.

Conditions in high mountain change throughout the summer and these changes can sometimes alter the supervision standards for each ascent. The supervision standards define the number of people that the mountain guide can supervise for each route and that standard can be modified during the season.
These changes may affect the price of the trip or the programme. Your registration for one of our trips or ascents means that you understand and accept this possibility.

Mountaineering and ski touring expose to random but real hazards, especially avalanches, rock falls, falls into crevasses and very low temperatures....To limit these risks, it is essential to follow the safety instructions given by the guide. You must be aware of these risks and accept them when you book a trip with us.

In winter, snow, cold and stormy conditions can make the route tougher than in summer.

No medical certificate required to take part in our trips, but it may be useful to check with your doctor that you have no contraindications (particularly in the case of chronic illness) to physical activity in the high mountains.

If you are undergoing any particular treatment, please let us know so that we can take appropriate measures if necessary.

Altitude can cause acute mountain sickness when you are not sufficiently acclimatised, also known as AMS. In most cases, it is accompanied by headaches, nausea and a general feeling of discomfort, but in the most serious cases it can lead to pulmonary or cerebral oedema, requiring an immediate descent.

That’s why it’s always a good idea, before any ascent or high altitude stay wherever possible, to do some hiking in the mountains or medium mountains, especially for those who live at sea level.

The aim of this holiday is to introduce you to the world of the high mountains in the heart of winter.
To make the most of it, you need to be physically prepared. Even if the altitude differences and the ascent times are reasonable, the altitude, the equipment (rucksack, mountaineering boots, etc.), the diversity and instability of the terrain encountered will increase the effort you have to make during the climbs.

If you are a good hiker or regularly practise an endurance sport, this is the ideal preparation. If you don’t, we recommend that you train in the weeks/months leading up to your trip: brisk walking (ideally on a path with a positive elevation), cycling, running, swimming (at high intensity)... any sport that helps you increase your cardio-respiratory capacity is ideal.

This course is aimed at skiers who are comfortable in all types of snow and who master the equipment and specific techniques of ski touring.

N.B.: If you do not have the required level, the guide may ask you to leave the course for the safety of the whole group.

By state-certified mountain guides or trainees mountain guides (aspirant guides) from the Roc Écrins team. They will have a VHF radio connected to the emergency services, a satellite phone or a mobile phone. They will also have a collective first-aid kit.

*A trainee mountain guide is a guide in training who is authorised to work and supervise climbs from their third year of training. They are not beginners, as it takes several years of practice and training to build up a list of routes and have the experience and technical level required to enter the mountain guide training course.

To take part in one of our stays, you must be properly insured for the chosen activity (rescue and repatriation costs) in the event of an incident or accident occurring during the stay. (We strongly recommend that this also includes cancellation cover). It is your responsibility to check the cover provided by your personal insurance policy. If you do not have such an insurance, you can take out the EUROP ASSISTANCE contract when you sign up. The amount of the "ASSISTANCE" insurance covering repatriation, rescue and search costs represents 2.4% of the price of the stay. MULTIRISK" insurance covering assistance, cancellation, loss of luggage and interruption of holiday, represents 5.6% of the price of the holiday.

You will be staying in a friendly refuge in a dormitory for 2 to 4 people.

This accommodation is subject to availability at the time of booking.

The Pays des Ecrins region has excellent transport links.

• TGV link, Paris-Turin. Get off at Oulx then take the shuttle to Briançon and l’Argentière.
• TGV connection, Paris-Valence or Paris-Grenoble with bus connections
• Night trains from Paris and the east of France. Information www.sncf-connect.fr
• From Nice, Marseille or Gap, regular bus services (www.autocars-scal.fr - 04 92 51 06 05)

If you wish to come by car,

• From the north, take the A48 motorway to Grenoble, then head towards Briançon up to La Grave.

• From Italy, A43 motorway through the Fréjus tunnel, then Col de Montgenèvre, towards Briançon and Grenoble

• From the south, take the A51 motorway to La Saulce, then follow roadsigns for Briançon (RN94) and after to Grenoble via the Col du Lautaret..

• Mountain guiding service , including their meals, overnight accommodation and lift passes
• Full board accommodation in mountain hut from the first evening to the lunch on the last day
• Cable car ticket
• Organisation and reservations (accommodation, guide, equipment) of your stay

To book your trip :

• complete the pre-registration form online
• You will receive a booking contract by email. It sets out the details of your booking as well as the schedule and payment terms.
• On receipt of this contract, the deposit of 30% must be payed within 4 days in accordance with the terms and conditions set out in the contract. Your registration can only be confirmed when the deposit has been payed.
• The balance must be paid 45 days before the departure. Please note that any balance not paid within 45 days of departure will be considered as a cancellation of your booking. Financial withholding would therfore be applied in accordance with our terms and conditions of sale.
• For a of a booking made less than 45 days before departure, the total amount of the booking must be paid on receipt of the booking contract in accordance with the terms and conditions set out therein.