Ice climbing in the Ecrins and Queyras, near Briançon (5 days)

Experience an exhilarating ice climbing adventure in both the Ecrins and Queyras of France, near Briançon, with AEGM-certified guide Isra.

Alps

5 Days

Jan - Mar, Dec

High

Intermediate

Highlights

* Experience the incredible ice land of Écrins and Gueyras.

* Capture the breathtaking natural beauty of the world-class park.

* Benefit from having qualified guides accompanying you along the valleys.

Description

Tucked away in the fabulous Écrins National Park are spectacular ice climbs for lovers of the winter outdoors.

The park is located just south of the French Alps and is only 1 of 9 national parks in the whole country. Its highest peak is La Barre des Écrins at 4,102 meters.

Populated with high rugged peaks, glacier fields, alpine pastures, lakes and woodland, the national park is packed full of natural beauty.

It contains 23 valleys and approximately 500 icefalls, which vary in length and difficulty. So whatever your level, we can find the ideal ice climb for you.

Join us on a 5-day icy adventure in some of the most famous valleys with classic waterfalls.

As well as Écrins we’ll head towards the valley of Queyras, located in the French department of the Hautes-Alpes. The valley is one of the oldest mountain ranges in the entire Alps, yet one of the last to be opened to the public.

The landscapes that we’ll enjoy are surrounded by the commune of Briançon, which resting at 1,326 meters is the highest city in the entire country.

Get in touch now to reserve your place near the commune of Briançon for a 5-day ice climbing trip in the Écrins and Queyras.

Price includes

- Accommodation included

- Guiding fee

- Breakfast

- Dinner

- Transport during the trip

- Mountain guide expenses

Price details

Apart from guiding fee and equipment, the price includes the guide´s expenses, all transport during the trip, transport from Torino airport to the start of the trip and back, accommodation and half-board meals.

Itinerary

Day 1: Ice school of Aiguilles

The adventure begins when we reach the village of Aiguilles, in the heart of Queyras. There is a cascade of artificial ice up to 40 meters high with many lines of varying difficulty. Those who have never climbed will do a course to learn the fundamentals. Those with climbing experience will prepare for the large waterfalls the following day.

Day 2: Champ Pelbaud in Fournel Valley

Fournel Valley is one of the great valleys of the Massif des Alpes Écrins and more specifically for ice climbing. There are more than 100 waterfalls with varying difficulty.

Day 3: La Colere du Ciel in La Grave

The town and ski resort of La Grave, located in the foothills of La Meije is the final part of the Ecrins to the north. It is one of the international destinations for both ice climbing and skiing.

Day 4: Les Formes du Chaos in Ceillac

Located in the centre of the Queyras massif at 1,800 meters high, Ceillac is a mythical place of ice climbing.

Day 5: Freissinières

This valley is home to the most impressive waterfalls, which is also located in the Massif des Écrins. Tête de Gramussat is one of its areas where we can find routes of up to 800 vertical meters.

About the guide

Isra

Mountain Guide

Born in Sax, a town in the province of Alicante, started climbing with 8 years, thanks to my parents who were the ones who started me in this sport.

With 19 years I decided to start with courses guide, starting with the mountain sports technician, which I studied in 2005 at the High Mountain School of Benasque. I started spending summers working as a guide in Asturias (Picos de Europa) and winters on the ski resorts of Valle de Tena, Pyrenees. It was here where I learned to ski and began to discover the winter mountain, the other side of what was used.

After spending a few years living in the "North" and meet the Alpine side of the mountain, I decided to start with what I really like, mountaineering, so I started with the course of sports Technical High Mountain. This gave me the motivation to come to the Alps where I've been more than 6 years living and enjoying the endless possibilities for this place. I spend half of the year in Chamonix, and half in Briançon, in the Ecrins massif.

Languages

French | English

Certificates

AEGM | SNGM | UIAGM

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What people are saying about Explore-Share

Kumari

5.00

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5.00

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5.00

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5.00

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Lesley

4.00

Thank you explore-share for a wonderful via feratta experience. We have been wanting to learn for a long time but don't have the facilities in Scotland. The guide Mitja was extremely helpful and knowledgeable, answering all my many questions and providing advice. On the day head to take another group but he quickly arranged another guide Borut, who was brilliant. We had a fantastic morning learning via ferrata at Hvadnik in the gorge. It gave us the confidence to later hire our own equipment and go out in Mojstrana. Altogether a five star + experience. Thank you.