A mountain landscape with craggy peaks under a clear sky. The orange and brown rocks stand out against the blue sky. A glacier is visible in the foreground, with areas of snow.
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A climber advances on a glacier under a starry sky. Partially snow-covered mountain peaks emerge in the background, while a full moon illuminates the scene. The shadows of the rocks and
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A mountain landscape at dusk, with the sun rising behind steep ridges. A wide path of ice stretches across the scene, lined with slush, while the ground is strewn with
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A man is standing on rocky ground in the mountains, wearing a lighted helmet and clothes suitable for climbing. He has his hands on his hips and is looking at the camera with a smile. Around him you can see
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A majestic mountain landscape unfolds, with high rocky peaks and glaciers visible in the background. Two climbers stand on a stone-strewn floor, one talking, the other talking.
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A mountainous landscape with steep slopes, where rocks and open ground dominate. A stream meanders through the valley, surrounded by various mountain peaks in the background. The sky
1 / 0
An impressive mountain landscape with craggy peaks, some covered in snow and surrounded by light clouds. The scene is dominated by dark-coloured rocks and lush green vegetation.
1 / 0
A majestic mountain landscape of snow-capped peaks and glaciers. The steep, erosion-sculpted ridges rise proudly from the clear blue skies, creating a striking contrast with
1 / 0
A vast, flat glacier is visible, surrounded by majestic rocky mountains. Two hikers make their way across the snow, one carrying a yellow rucksack and the other dressed in black and wearing a red hat.
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A wooden refuge located at altitude, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. A sign on the façade reads "Refuge du Sele", with an altitude of 2710 metres. Clothes are hung on a rope at the top.
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A climber is climbing on an icy surface, wearing suitable equipment and an orange helmet. He is attached to a safety rope, while another climber, smiling and waving
1 / 0
A mountain landscape at dusk, with snow-capped peaks catching the golden light of the setting sun. To the left, craggy rocks rise against a deep blue sky, while to the right
1 / 0
Decorative
1 / 0
A landscape of majestic mountains under a sky that shifts from blue to pink and orange towards the horizon. The peaks, partially covered in snow, emerge from the clouds that float above.
1 / 0
A mountain landscape in golden hour, where majestic snow-capped mountains rise up under a clear sky. A hiker, wearing a jacket and carrying a rucksack, is making his way along the slopes.
1 / 0
A climber with a beard and sunglasses stands on the left, carrying a yellow rucksack and a rope wrapped around him. On the right, another climber in an orange helmet is bending over, preparing to climb the mountain.
1 / 0
An interior bedroom with wooden bunk beds, simply laid out. The walls are warm wood, and the floor is green. Folded blankets and pillows are carefully placed on each bed.
1 / 0
An immense mountain landscape, with majestic peaks in the background. In the foreground, an adventurer sitting on a snow and ice field, wearing a helmet and holding a bottle of water. The mountains are
1 / 0
A mountain landscape with craggy peaks under a clear sky. The orange and brown rocks stand out against the blue sky. A glacier is visible in the foreground, with areas of snow.
A climber advances on a glacier under a starry sky. Partially snow-covered mountain peaks emerge in the background, while a full moon illuminates the scene. The shadows of the rocks and
A mountain landscape at dusk, with the sun rising behind steep ridges. A wide path of ice stretches across the scene, lined with slush, while the ground is strewn with
A man is standing on rocky ground in the mountains, wearing a lighted helmet and clothes suitable for climbing. He has his hands on his hips and is looking at the camera with a smile. Around him you can see
A majestic mountain landscape unfolds, with high rocky peaks and glaciers visible in the background. Two climbers stand on a stone-strewn floor, one talking, the other talking.
A mountainous landscape with steep slopes, where rocks and open ground dominate. A stream meanders through the valley, surrounded by various mountain peaks in the background. The sky
An impressive mountain landscape with craggy peaks, some covered in snow and surrounded by light clouds. The scene is dominated by dark-coloured rocks and lush green vegetation.
A majestic mountain landscape of snow-capped peaks and glaciers. The steep, erosion-sculpted ridges rise proudly from the clear blue skies, creating a striking contrast with
A vast, flat glacier is visible, surrounded by majestic rocky mountains. Two hikers make their way across the snow, one carrying a yellow rucksack and the other dressed in black and wearing a red hat.
A wooden refuge located at altitude, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. A sign on the façade reads "Refuge du Sele", with an altitude of 2710 metres. Clothes are hung on a rope at the top.
A climber is climbing on an icy surface, wearing suitable equipment and an orange helmet. He is attached to a safety rope, while another climber, smiling and waving
A mountain landscape at dusk, with snow-capped peaks catching the golden light of the setting sun. To the left, craggy rocks rise against a deep blue sky, while to the right
Decorative
A landscape of majestic mountains under a sky that shifts from blue to pink and orange towards the horizon. The peaks, partially covered in snow, emerge from the clouds that float above.
A mountain landscape in golden hour, where majestic snow-capped mountains rise up under a clear sky. A hiker, wearing a jacket and carrying a rucksack, is making his way along the slopes.
A climber with a beard and sunglasses stands on the left, carrying a yellow rucksack and a rope wrapped around him. On the right, another climber in an orange helmet is bending over, preparing to climb the mountain.
An interior bedroom with wooden bunk beds, simply laid out. The walls are warm wood, and the floor is green. Folded blankets and pillows are carefully placed on each bed.
An immense mountain landscape, with majestic peaks in the background. In the foreground, an adventurer sitting on a snow and ice field, wearing a helmet and holding a bottle of water. The mountains are

Mountain Climbing

Introduction to alpinism in the Ecrins

July to August
5 days| 4 nights
Level 3
Eco-score 4/5

What you will experience

Take your first steps in mountaineering and climb your first peaks over 3000m in the Ecrins National Park: a land of high mountains and mountaineering par excellence.
Climb three peaks over 3000m: La Roche Faurio (3730m), the Col du Sélé (3283m) and the Ailefroide Orientale (3848m).
Breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges: La Vanoise, Mont Blanc and the Alpine Arc
A week of learning to become autonomous in the mountains: roping up, cramponing, crevasses, etc.
Three nights in authentic high mountain refuges and one night in a family gîte in the valley
A week of immersion in the high mountains, in an unspoilt massif, facing mythical peaks such as the Barre des Écrins and the Aiguilles d'Arves.

Itinerary

DAY 1 / 5
Activity time
4h
Night
Refuge
D+
1300m

We meet at 9am in Vallouise, where our guide Olivier will introduce us to the tour over a welcome coffee.

After a brief introduction, we set off in the direction of our objective for the day: the Ecrins refuge. Perched at an altitude of 3170 metres, the refuge offers a breathtaking view of the highest peak in the massif: the Barre des Écrins (4102 m).

Once we've arrived at the refuge and settled in, we'll concentrate on learning the basics of snow and glacier climbing. We'll be going over cramponing, roping up, ice axe use and crevasse exercises.

We finish the day with a delicious tartiflette to enjoy the warm atmosphere of the high mountain refuge.

DAY 2 / 5
Night
Gîte
Activity time
6h
D+
700m

After our first night in the mountains, we pack our rucksacks and set off at daybreak for our first ascent: the summit of Roche Faurio (3730m).

At the summit, we enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the majestic surrounding mountain ranges, including the Vanoise, Mont Blanc and the entire Alpine Arc.

After this first experience on a glacier, we return to the Ailefroide valley in the afternoon, where we spend our second night in a warm, family-run gîte.

DAY 3 / 5
Night
Refuge
Activity time
3h
D+
1000m

After breakfast, we pack our bags and head for the Sélé refuge (2511m): This refuge is located at the top of the rocky bar that closes off the Sélé valley.

Once at the refuge, we enjoy a panoramic view from the terrace of the glacier, the east face of the Ailefroide and the pointe de Celse Nière.

After settling in, we take the afternoon to brush up on our mountaineering skills and, more specifically, learn the basics of crevasse rescue.

After the effort, the comfort: we spend the evening and the night at the refuge and enjoy a good mountain meal before going to bed.

DAY 4 / 5
Night
Refuge
Activity time
5h
D+
1300m

We wake up at dawn and enjoy breakfast before getting ready to set off. Equipped with our headlamps, we begin the ascent to the Col du Sélé (3283m).

Roped up and equipped with crampons, we cross the Sélé glacier, offering a privileged view of an exceptional panorama, characterised in particular by the presence of numerous glaciers. As we progress, the sun will illuminate the impressive walls of the Ailefroides and Pelvoux.

This ascent will be an opportunity to put into practice the mountaineering techniques we learnt the day before.

After the ascent, we'll head back down to the Sélé hut for a rest after the day's exploits.

DAY 5 / 5
Activity time
9h
D+
1000m

It's under a starry sky that we begin this final day of our expedition. Our objective today is to climb the eastern summit of the Ailefroide (3848m), a veritable fortress of stone and ice.

Once we reach the summit, we'll have the chance to take in the breathtaking scenery, with views of the Barre des Ecrins, La Meije, Le Râteau, Les Agneaux...

After a few days climbing and immersing ourselves in the high mountains, we'll head back down to the Vallouise valley in the late afternoon for a drink to round off this wonderful expedition.

The guides who will lead your adventure

Guide Olivier - Olivier

Olivier

Olivier

FrenchFrench
EnglishEnglish

Coming from the flat country of Belgium and being a mountain guide sounds like a bit of an oxymoron, but here I am, Olivier , 33 years old. Very enthusiastic about the idea of getting off the beaten track, it's with boundless enthusiasm that I'll be guiding you through the magical world of the high mountains, far from the hustle and bustle of the valleys. It's with the same enthusiasm that I'll be sharing the conviviality of the post-race moments over a good beer... Belgian!

Find out more about Olivier

What's included in the price

Included

Supervision by a guide: Olivier, an experienced mountain guide, will supervise you during these 5 days.
Accommodation: You will spend 4 nights in high mountain refuges: 1 night in the Ecrins refuge, the 2nd night in a gîte in the Ailefroide valley and the following 2 nights in the Sélé refuge. Every night, you'll sleep in a shared room in a single bed.
Technical equipment: All technical mountaineering equipment is provided: mountaineering boots, crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet and safety equipment.

Not included

Transport to and from the meeting point
Your personal consumption
Everything that is not included in "what is included".

What level should you expect

Level 3
  • You are capable of making a physical effort 6 to 8 hours a day
  • No previous mountaineering experience is required
  • You want to climb your first peaks above 3000m
  • You do not suffer from vertigo
  • You're not afraid to carry your rucksack (6 to 8kg max) on the climbs (no portage planned)
  • You want to discover the world of high mountains with a qualified guide

Getting there

Start: Vallouise (09h)
End: Vallouise (17h)

Transport

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Take the TGV to Grenoble station

  • Departure station > Grenoble(SNCF)

> Then by bus

Take a bus to Briançon (line 55)

  • Grenoble > Place de l'Europe(ZOU!)

Then take a bus to Vallouise (line 542)

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It is possible to get to Vallouise by car.

If you don't have a car, you should know that we're encouraging car-pooling between participants by creating a WhatsApp group 15 days before departure. It's a great way to get to know each other before you even start your expedition!

How to register

1

Step 1

Choose your departure date and number of participants

2

Step 2

Book online by paying a deposit or the full amount directly. It is also possible to book by telephone by calling +32 474 97 09 38 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).
  • If the minimum number of participants is reached, departure is confirmed!
  • If the minimum number of participants is not reached, we will give you a full refund.
Departure is confirmed 15 days in advance for adventures lasting more than 4 days. Departure is confirmed 7 days prior to departures of less than 4 days.
3

Step 3

In the case of a deposit, the remaining amount will be debited from your account before departure.

Your reviews

The opinions of our participants who have placed their trust in us

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to have done mountaineering before?

No, this expedition is for people who want to discover mountaineering. You don't need to have any previous experience, just be in good physical condition. Are you unsure about your level? Contact us!

What equipment do I need?

We provide all the mountaineering equipment. However, if you have your own equipment, don't hesitate to take it with you! Once your enrolment has been confirmed, we'll send you a full list of the equipment you'll need in a personalised roadbook for your expedition.

How comfortable is the refuge?

The high mountain refuges offer a certain level of comfort: you will sleep in beds with blankets provided (you will simply need to bring a meat bag for hygiene reasons).

Will there be a telephone network?

There is little network coverage in the high mountains. Network coverage depends on your telephone subscription. At times during your journey, you'll get a signal, but most of the time you'll be completely disconnected. Welcome to the great outdoors.

Are rucksacks carried between the various refuges?

No, we do not plan to carry rucksacks between the various refuges. However, to ensure a pleasant experience, we will check your rucksack on the first day of the expedition to keep it as light as possible.

What will be the approximate weight of our rucksack?

Bearing in mind that we sleep every night in a refuge or gîte, the weight of your rucksack should not exceed 8kg. You'll just need to take the bare essentials with you (technical clothing, toothbrush, buff etc).

⛈ What happens if the metreo is wrong?

If the weather is bad but does not represent a danger to participants during the expedition, the activity will continue. If the weather becomes dangerous, the activity will be cancelled and replaced by an alternative offered by our professional guides.

What is included in the price of a DiscoveRent shipment?

At Wildhartt, we attach particular importance to price transparency for our shipments. Our approach is based on a clear breakdown of costs, aimed at providing a better understanding of the elements included in the total amount. Here's how we allocate the percentages:

  • 30% for our guides: We believe that our experienced guides play a crucial role in the success of each activity. That's why we make sure we allocate a significant proportion to pay for their expertise and supervision.
  • 35% for accommodation and food: We consider comfortable accommodation and quality food to be essential elements of an enriching experience.
  • 10% for equipment and transport: The safety and comfort of our participants is paramount. With this part of the total amount, we can guarantee that the equipment required is in excellent condition and adequate for each activity. Transport costs also come into play when they are essential during an expedition.
  • 25% for expedition participation and running costs: These costs cover the logistical, administrative and organisational aspects of the expedition, as well as the overall management of the experience, from start to finish.

Our aim is to provide you with a trustworthy, high-quality experience, while being transparent about how the final cost of your shipment is shared. If you have any further questions about our prices, please contact us here.


Can I privatise this expedition for my group?

Yes, all our expeditions can be privatised for a group already formed on the dates of your choice. To make a privatisation request, go to the expedition of your choice and privatise it using the button under the "see departures" button.

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Hassle-free from start to finish.

Full refund if departure is not confirmed
Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure
Instalment facility available

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