ICE CLIMBING ECRINS
ICE CLIMBING IN THE SOUTHERN FRENCH ALPS WITH GRANDE COURSE MOUNTAIN GUIDES.
Ice climbing is one of the most complete and spectacular disciplines in winter mountaineering, combining technique, physical effort and adventure in a unique high-mountain environment.
Based around Briançon, this area is home to some of the finest ice climbing destinations in Europe, spread across three main areas: the Écrins National Park, the La Grave massif and the Queyras region.
Over one or several days, we will explore these different areas with a mountain guide, adapting the programme to the group’s level, experience and the conditions at the time, from introductory sessions to multi-pitch ice climbs.
Some of our suggestions:
Les Formes du Chaos – Ceillac
Happy Together – Freissinières
Les Nains des Ravines – Fournel
Les Moulins – La Grave
Easy Rider – Ceillac
Fracastorus – Freissinières
Impatience – Freissinières
Dancing Fall – Les Orres
Delicados – Fournel
Duration:
1 to 5 days of activity
Programme:
The programme is always adapted to the mountain conditions, weather and the group’s level, with safety and progressive learning as our priorities.
Day 1: if you have no previous experience or only limited experience, the first day will take place at the Aiguilles ice climbing area, where you will learn basic movement techniques, the use of ice axes and crampons, and ice climbing safety. If you already have experience, we can go straight onto a multi-pitch ice climb suited to the participants’ level.
Following days: ice climbing on multi-pitch routes such as those suggested above.
Number of participants:
Maximum 2 participants per guide
Difficulty:
From easy to very challenging.
Price - 1 day:
1 participant from €450
2 participants from €230/person
Price - 2 days:
1 participant from €900
2 participants from €460/person
Price - 3 days:
1 participant from €1.335
2 participants from €680/person
Price - 4 days:
1 participant from €1.780
2 participants from €900/person
Price - 5 days:
1 participant from €2.200
2 participants from €1.125/person
Included:
Qualified UIAGM mountain guide.
Technical advice and preparation.
Shared safety equipment.
Professional liability insurance.
Not included:
Accommodation, meals and transport costs for participants and guide.
Half-board hut accommodation for participants and guide, if required.
Personal accident insurance for participants.
Cancellation insurance for participants.
Personal equipment for participants. If you do not have any of the required equipment, please let us know and, where possible, we can lend it to you or advise you on purchasing or hiring it.
Any other unforeseen expenses.
Equipment required
Clothing suitable for ice climbing and adapted to the weather conditions.
Rigid mountaineering boots.
Certified climbing helmet (in good condition).
Certified climbing harness (in good condition).
Safety lanyard and locking carabiner.
Basket-style belay/rappel device and HMS locking carabiner.
Technical ice climbing axes.
Technical ice climbing crampons with front points suitable for ice climbing.
Ice screw holder.
Elastic ice axe leashes.
Folding trekking poles.
Cap/beanie, sunglasses, sun cream, water and food.
2–3 pairs of gloves.
Mountaineering backpack, approximately 30L, suitable for carrying ice axes.
Emergency blanket.
Headlamp.
Depending on the approach and conditions, an avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe and snowshoes or skis may be required.
If you do not have any of the required equipment, please let us know. Where possible, we can lend it to you or advise you on purchasing it.
Contact
We offer tailor-made mountain experiences while always maintaining the high standards of quality that define us. Tell us what you would like to do, and we will put everything together for you as quickly as possible.
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marina.grandecourseguias@gmail.com
+34653678669 / +33768839973
