5 days in the Ecrins with Wildhartt: my feedback

Hi adventurers, this is Julien, ready to take you behind the scenes of an expedition that left a lasting impression on me. For 5 days, I explored the Écrins massif with Wildhartt, in a sporting and authentic immersion in the heart of nature.

I tell you all about it, step by step.

Day 1: The climb to the Écrins refuge (3170m)

We meet up in Vallouise at 9am for a welcome coffee with Olivier, our guide. The guy just breathes mountains. He tells us straight out that he loves this majestic playground. After a quick presentation of the programme, we set off. Today's objective: to climb to the Ecrins refuge, perched at 3170m.

The climb is intense, with 1300m of ascent. With each bend, the landscape becomes more grandiose. The first crevasses appear, and the glacier glistens in the sunshine. We stop for a moment: a group of ibex are watching us from afar, as if to remind us that we are their guests here.

When we arrived at the refuge, I felt the unique satisfaction that comes with being in the high mountains. After a quick settling in, we started on the basics of mountaineering: cramponing, roping up, ice axe handling. Olivier gives us a demonstration of crevasse rescue techniques. In the evening, we share a tartiflette which, at 3000m, tastes like heaven.

Day 2: Roche Faurio (3730m) and return to the valley

Wake up at dawn. Gear up and set off for our first climb: Roche Faurio. The effort is constant, but the views are breathtaking. Once at the summit, the view was incredible: an unobstructed view of the Barre des Écrins, Mont-Blanc and even La Meije. It's that kind of moment when you feel alive, tiny and privileged.

The descent is rapid, but we take the time to observe a golden eagle soaring above the glacier. Back in the valley, we spend the night in a gîte in Ailefroide, perfect for recharging our batteries in a warm atmosphere.

Day 3: Sélé refuge and introduction to mountain rescue

After a hearty breakfast, we grab our bags and head up to the Sélé refuge. 1000m of ascent later, we're standing on a terrace with a breathtaking view of the glacier and surrounding peaks. A studious afternoon: Olivier introduces us to mountain rescue techniques. We practise pulling up a rope and simulating a crevasse exit. Skills that I know could one day make all the difference.

In the evening, we enjoy a mountain meal. The view of the sunset behind the Ailefroide, with its orange hues, is etched in my memory.

Day 4: Crossing the Sélé glacier and climbing to the col

Departure before dawn. Headlamp on helmet, we roped up and attacked the Sélé glacier. It's a technical crossing, but Olivier is watching over all of us. Halfway up, we stop to admire a spectacular sunrise, the rock faces ablaze in the first rays. This kind of moment reminds you why you give so much of yourself in the mountains.

The Col du Sélé (3283m) rewards us with a 360° panorama of the Écrins peaks. We return to the refuge for the night, tired but happy.

Day 5: L'Ailefroide orientale (3848m), the grand finale

Last day, and not the least. We set off at night to climb the Ailefroide Orientale. The climb is a mental and physical ordeal. Each step in crampons requires an extra effort, but the summit is worth it. At 3848m, the world opens up beneath our feet. The Barre des Écrins, the Meije, the Pelvoux... it's all there, frozen in the morning light.

The descent is a real celebration. At the end of the day, back in Vallouise, we toasted the end of this incredible adventure together.

My assessment

This expedition with Wildhartt is much more than just sport. It's an immersion in a raw universe, where every effort is rewarded with a powerful emotion. The guide, the landscapes, the moments shared... All this makes this an adventure I'll never forget.

If you're ready to push your limits in an exceptional setting, Wildhartt will take you to where your dreams begin 🌄. To take part in the same expedition as me, go here.

-Julien