1864
4,102 m
Adolphus Warburton Moore, Horace Walker, Edward Whymper, Christian Almer, Michel Croz
BARRE DES ECRINS
West Ridge (PD+, II)
Südtirolalpin
Certified Mountain Guide
IFMGA - Mountain Guides Associations
Mail suedtirolalpin@gmail.com
Prices from
1.100,- €
THE MOUNTAIN
The Barre des Ecrins holds a special place in the list of four-thousand-meter peaks. It is not only the westernmost, but also the southernmost four-thousand-meter peak in the Alps. Despite this special status, the entire Dauphiné region leads a shadowy existence. The French Alps are largely associated with the Mont Blanc massif. But the Karakoram of the Alps, as the Dauphiné is often called, boasts a breathtaking mountain landscape. It's actually a blessing that this region doesn't receive nearly as much attention as it could: there aren't the crowds here like in many other heavily frequented areas of the Alps, and you can still experience this breathtaking mountain landscape in its original state and fully absorb the stunning landscape.
ABOUT THE TOUR
Barre des Ecrins - Normal Route: The ascent via the west ridge to the Barre des Ecrins is absolutely magnificent in terms of scenery. The entire Dauphiné range is one of the most spectacular and wildest regions in the entire Alps. That its highest peak can be reached via a relatively less difficult normal route is almost a miracle. Nevertheless, it demands a great deal from its climbers and should not be underestimated. Wildly jagged glaciers must be traversed on the north flank, and the finale is a ridge climb up to a grade III. Only then can one enjoy an unforgettable and impressive panorama from its highest point and gaze down upon "the Karakoram of the Alps" from above.
INFO
Services
Included in the price:
- Entire organization and guidance by a state-certified mountain guide
- All necessary reservations are made in advance
Additional costs:
- 1 overnight stay with half board at the Refuge des Ecrins
- Transfer to and from the meeting point
- Mountain guide expenses (accommodation)
- Individual tips
* Rental equipment (€10 per piece of equipment)
Facts
Location:
Dauphin
Best time of year:
July - September
Duration:
2 days
Meeting point:
Ailefroide - Refuge Cezanne
What you need
Safety-relevant requirements
- Sure-footedness
Requirements for enjoyment
- Good fitness for the 1,200 meters of ascent on summit day
- Good acclimatization
PRICING
PROGRAM
Day 1: Approach to the Refuge des Ecrins
We meet at the Refuge Cezanne at 1,874 meters. This parking lot can be reached by car in the valley behind the village of Ailefroide. After a quick gear check, we begin the ascent to the Refuge des Ecrins. The route continues past the Refuge du Glacier Blanc and through the breathtaking landscape to our base camp for the night. We will reach the hut after about four hours.
Day 2: Summit Ascent of the Barre des Ecrins
The next morning, we have an early breakfast at the hut. Afterwards, we set off into the dawn by the light of our headlamps. Across the Glacier Blanc, the trail initially continues flatly until it reaches the steep flank north of the summit. Through the flank, we find a path between the crevasses and reach the Breche Lory below the Dome de Neige. This is where the west ridge begins, the last section before the summit. Once at the top, we enjoy the view from the highest point of the Dauphiné and gaze down into this wildly rugged and breathtaking mountain range. Our descent follows the ascent route back to the parking lot at the Refuge Cézanne.
The story of the first ascent
The Barre des Écrins was also climbed during the "Golden Age of Alpinism" on June 25, 1864, by the renowned English alpinists Edward Whymper, Horace Walker, and Adolphus Warburton Moore, who often spent months traversing the Alps and making first ascents of the highest peaks. Together with the equally famous mountain guides Michel Croz and Christian Almer, who helped many English mountaineers complete their dream tours, they climbed the Barre des Écrins, which has now been replaced by the West Ridge as the normal route. The Barre des Écrins holds a special significance among the four-thousand-meter peaks in the Alps, as it is the westernmost of all and the only one in the Dauphiné.
