Trail week in the Ecrins National Park

We meet in the late afternoon at our hotel, in the heart of the Haute Romanche Valley. Everyone arrives with their gear, ready to dive into this adventure.

Over a drink, we get to know each other and go over the week’s program. A delicious dinner follows, providing the perfect opportunity to discuss our expectations and goals for the days ahead. A restful night awaits before we hit the trails first thing in the morning.

After breakfast, we prepare our gear before tackling the ascent of Grand Aréa, the perfect introduction to our first strides at altitude. The climb begins gently with a series of switchbacks leading us to the southern ridge, then up to the summit at 2,869 m. In clear weather, the panorama stretches across the entire Alpine arc, from the Écrins and Vanoise to Mont Blanc and the Italian peaks. We take a break to go over essential techniques: managing effort on ascents, posture, and fluidity on descents.

After a picnic at the viewpoint, we begin our descent, applying the techniques we discussed. Back at the hotel, we relax on the terrace and chat about mountain trail running before enjoying a well-earned dinner.

We meet at 8:30 AM for a warm-up before heading onto the Chemin du Roy. The route begins with a steady climb through a pine forest, followed by a balcony trail overlooking the Guisane Valley.

The path offers breathtaking views of Les Agneaux, the Dômes du Monêtier, and the Barre des Écrins (4,102 m), while the limestone cliffs of the Cerces contrast with the glacial landscape.

With a mix of ascents and descents, the route helps refine effort management and adaptability to the terrain. The final, more technical section focuses on foot stability and fluidity in descents.

After a picnic break, we return to the hotel for a session on race nutrition and basic mountain first aid.

We set off early for a steep climb to Refuge Chancel (2,508 m). The ascent follows the Torrent du Tabuchet, crosses the footbridge at the Cascade de la Meije, and continues up a series of switchbacks to reach Lac de Puy Vachier. A final push takes us to the refuge and the Belvédère over the Romanche Valley, where we take a break to soak in the panoramic views before beginning the descent.

Two options are available: a challenging ascent through the Brèche Pacave, followed by a technical descent through scree fields and snow patches in the Vallons de la Meije, or a smoother alternative, depending on the group’s level.

We return in the late afternoon for a workshop on planning a mountain trail running training program. The evening unfolds in a relaxed atmosphere, with tired legs but an alert and fulfilled mind.

Today, we set off on a route that alternates between trail running and fast hiking sections. The use of poles becomes essential for tackling technical passages. We traverse snowfields and navigate a few exposed areas, where focus and precision are key.

We enjoy a picnic at altitude before diving into an introduction to mountain first aid: how to alert rescue services and organize an evacuation in case of an emergency.

Back at the hotel, we unwind with a relaxing evening and a replenishing meal to recover for the next adventure.

We start the day with a run through alpine meadows, making our way to Lac du Pontet. From there, we climb to Col de l’Aiguillon (2,059 m), where we take in stunning views of the Maurienne villages, including Les Hières, Ventelon, and Valfroide, nestled in the mountain landscape.

We then follow the ridge leading to the summit of Aiguillon (2,096 m). The route alternates between fast hiking and trail running sections, with our efforts rewarded by breathtaking views of La Meije and its glaciers.

During the ascent, we take the time to explore the unique mountain environment, observing alpine wildlife and flora and discovering how they adapt to high-altitude life.

In the afternoon, a navigation workshop introduces us to the basics of map reading, peak identification, and compass use.

The evening is a perfect time to share experiences, with everyone reflecting on their progress and key learnings from the trip, all in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

For this final day of effort, we take on a 20 km circuit, offering a stunning variety of landscapes and the perfect opportunity to apply all the techniques learned throughout the week. The pace is more intense, with everyone adjusting their speed to manage their energy over the course of the route.

We then begin our descent into the Guisane Valley, following a gradual trail through larch forests and several mountain hamlets, including Le Lauzet, before reconnecting with the GR50, which leads us back to the Col du Lautaret.

Once back at the hotel, we enjoy some free time before the final debrief of the trip. Each participant shares their experience, progress, and the challenges they overcame. A final evening together brings this adventure to a close before everyone heads off the next morning.

A final breakfast together before everyone heads their separate ways. The adventure comes to an end, but the lessons learned and the memories remain.