Haute route des Ecrins 6 day ski touring

The Ecrins massif with its very jagged structure and rought character offer the most beautiful ski raid in the Alps. For expert only!

Price: 2100€

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Steep slopes, significant elevation changes, very wild character: here, all the ingredients come together to make this Ecrins Haute Route one of the most beautiful ski raids in the Alps. The Écrins massif, with its very jagged structure, offers often technical passes and steep slopes for fantastic descents... which reserves it for good skiers in very good physical condition. A high mountain raid on a grand scale!

The program may be modified depending on conditions on the ground and the fitness level of the participants.

 

Day 1: Promontoire Refuge Ascent to the Col de la Lauze by cable car from La Grave, then skins up to the Col de la Giroze. Descent on the south face via a steep couloir using a fixed rope, then crossing the Glacier de la Selle and climbing to the Col du Replat. Magnificent descent to the Promontoire Refuge via sustained slopes. Alternative (at the guide's discretion): Col de la Lauze - Descent towards Saint Christophe and turn off above the Refuge du Selle, heading towards the Promontoire via the Brèche du Rateau. Magnificent slope! Duration: 4 to 5 hours

Elevation gain/loss: +1200 m / -1100 m

 

Day 2: Adèle Planchard Refuge Ascent to the Col de la Casse Déserte (3483 m) via the Grande Ruine Glacier. The route is fairly strenuous, but the arrival at the pass is superb, nestled between the faces of Pic Bourcet and Grande Ruine. From the pass, traverse to the Col des Neiges, then a short descent to the Adèle Planchard Refuge (3186 m), one of the most isolated refuges in the massif. Overnight at the refuge. Duration: 6 to 7 hours

Elevation gain/loss: +1250 m / -200 m

Day 3: Alpe du Villard d'Arêne Refuge Ascent of Grande Ruine (3765 m). Depending on snow conditions and the participants' technical ability, the last 100 meters will be on foot. From the summit, the 360° view of all the peaks in the massif is spectacular, with the south face of La Meije to our left. One of the most beautiful descents of this trek, in a very wild glacial cirque, beneath the north faces of Roche Faurio and Tombe Murée. A short climb back up to the Refuge de l'Alpe du Villard d'Arêne (2077 m).

Time: 7 to 8 hours.

Elevation gain/loss: +600 m / -1485 m

Day 4: Col Emile Pic - Refuge des Écrins Early start around 6:00 am to climb up to the Col d'Arsine. The left bank of the glacier will lead us to the foot of the Couloir de la Plate des Agneaux (3217 m), which we will climb on foot, a 300 m couloir at 35°. Ascent of the ridge of the Pic de Neige Cordier and traverse to the Col Emile Pic (3487 m). Short descent to the Refuge des Écrins (3170 m). Another exceptional day with a true high-mountain atmosphere!

Time: 6 to 8 hours

Elevation gain: +1400 m / Elevation loss: -315 m

Day 5: Dôme de Neige des Écrins - Refuge du Glacier Blanc Ascent of the Dôme des Écrins (4015 m), the majestic peak, via its north face, weather permitting and if the seracs are not too threatening, followed by a descent via the Glacier Blanc to the refuge of the same name (2542 m). An exceptional day in the heart of the highest peaks of the Écrins massif. If the Dôme des Écrins is not feasible for safety reasons, or if the group's skill level is insufficient, we will climb the Roche Faurio, a magnificent summit and viewpoint overlooking the Barre des Écrins.

Time: 6 to 7 hours

Elevation gain/loss: +1000 m / -1500 m

Day 6: Dômes de Monêtier Ascent to the Col de Monêtier (3339 m) via steep slopes and an exposed traverse, followed by a superb descent through the Grand Tabuc valley to the village of Monêtier (1473 m). End of a magnificent ski tour. Return to Les Deux Alpes by taxi.

Time: 5 to 7 hours

Elevation gain/loss: +800 m / -1900 m

Technical Information

Technical level required for The Ecrins ski touring Haute Route

This Haute Route is one of the most physical and technical of the Alps. This mustn't be your first hut to hut ski touring experience.

Snow slopes of up to 40 degrees in varying snow conditions (deep powder, wind crusted, hard packed, etc).

You need to have previous strong ski touring experience, master downhill and uphill kick turns, and be able to ski in all snow conditions (style is less important!).

Ropes and crampons will sometimes be necessary, and you may have to carry your skis on your back to traverse / climb certain sections.

Fitness level 

Daily altitude ranges from 800 to 1400m with up to 6-8 hours walking. You should practise an endurance sport regularly.

We climb about 400m per hour, which is not difficult in itself, however it can be strenuous in altitude, with backpacks and changing weather and snow conditions.

Changes to the program

Your high mountain guide reserves the right to modify or interrupt the program at any time for safety reasons, technical or physical problems with one or several participants or due to bad weather and snow conditions.

Meeting point

The day before the course, at the end of afternoon, Telephone appointment with your guide to review the program, equipment and confirm the appointment of day 1. If you wish to go directly to Saas Fee before your ski tour let us know this is not a problem. We can arrange a gears check by phone or video to make sure you have all equipment required. Your guide will be able to bring you some equipment except your touring boots and ski as it's important to try them before starting your trip.

 

Access

By train (SNCF): Chamonix train station via Saint-Gervais-Les-Bains - Le Fayet.

By plane: Geneva airport by coach or shuttle. If you go directly to Saas Fee there are train to visp and bus for Saas Fee.

There are regular airport shuttles between Geneva Airport and Chamonix, like Flixbus, Alpybus, Mountain drop off

Accommodation

3* hotel the night before, thereafter in catered alpine huts. Pillows and blankets are provided, but please bring a sleeping bag liner.

Meals

Half board in the huts (dinner and breakfast).
 You can buy lunche in the huts for the following days.

You should also bring your own additional snacks, e.g. energy bars, dried fruit and nuts (nothing heavy or squashable).

Gear

The gear list will be provided upon booking. If you wish to stay in Zermatt at the end of your ski trip we can try to bring your luggage in Zermatt depending on taxy availabilities. It will involve an extra cost. 

<h2>Saas Fee 4000 m Peak ski touring in 4 Days Pricing and Availability</h2>
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require_once DRUPAL_ROOT . '/sites/all/includes/payment/common.php';

$course = 'Haute Route classic';

$price = 1640;

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$upfront_payment_percentage = 50; // percent

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    '12 April 2027' => ['places' => available(5), 'price' => price(1640)],
    '19 April 2027' => ['places' => available(6), 'price' => price(1640)],
    '26 April 2027' => ['places' => available(6), 'price' => price(1640)],
    '03 May 2027' => ['places' => available(6), 'price' => price(1640)],
    '10 May 2027' => ['places' => available(6), 'price' => price(1640)],
    '17 May 2027' => ['places' => available(6), 'price' => price(1640)],
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            <th scope="col">Status</th>
            <th scope="col">Book</th>
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foreach ($dates as $date => $details) {
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        $availability = '<td><span style="color:rgb(128, 0, 0)">All places filled</span></td>';
    } else if ($places === 1) {
        $availability = '<td><span style="color:rgb(0, 128, 0)">Available - 1 place</span></td>';
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        $availability = '<td><span style="color:rgb(0, 128, 0)">Available - ' . $places . ' places</span></td>';
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            'upfront_payment_percentage' => $upfront_payment_percentage,
        ]);
    }

    echo '<tr>'
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        .   '<input type="hidden" name="date" value="' . $date . '" />'
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}

?>
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The cost is based on a group of 4 up to 6 people. If you are a private group, please contact us to discuss dates and prices. 

If you are 3 participants we can run the trip with an extra cost per person of 150€.

IMPORTANT NOTE :  we get back to you as quickly as possible to confirm your booking, as all depends on the places available in the huts. Please don't book your flight before we confirm the date as we could start the trip one day before or after the original date.

GET IN TOUCH directly by e-mail or phone/whats app +33 6 95 04 23 02 as we have other different dates / program and routes available too.

 

The price includes:

  • Organisation of the trip
  • IFMGA English-speaking mountain guide 
  • 1 night B&B in 3* hotel in Chamonix the night before your start (day 0)
  • 3 nights in mountain huts with dinner and breakfast
  • 4 picnics

The price does not include:

  • Transport to Chamonix
  • Transport from Chamonix to Saas Fee on Day 1:  Possibility to rent a car or take your guide's car depending on the size.
  • Additional snacks and drinks in the huts
  • Personal ski and safety equipment (touring skis, boots, harness, transceiver, shovel,probe)
  • Any unplanned additional expenses due to weather forecast, snow conditions, lack of fitness, etc
  • Alpine insurance (rescue, medical fees & repatriation)

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