3 days from 725 € per participant
Guaranteed departure from 4 people
- Ascent of two major summits in the Ecrins
- Stunning sunrise over the Glacier Blanc
- Easy access on the Paris-Milano TGV line, followed by minibus return transfer
- Hassle free: we use our minibus to transport gear and luggage, and for all transfers; if you've hired gear we deliver it to you at the start of the trip.
- No booking fees
Located in the heart of the Ecrins mountain range and literally stuck to the Barre des Ecrins, the Dôme des Ecrins looks as it were made for ski touring. The ascent of this alpine jewel really is a fantastic adventure, far from the bustling cities and ski lifts, we evolve in the heart of unspoilt nature in the Ecrins National Park. Le Glacier Blanc will not only serve as a landmark during our trip but also as our playground ! From our basecamp, you’ll have an amazing view of the Barre des Ecrins and will be able to see it change colour as the sun sets. A stunning summit of more than 4000 metres high and a very long descent on the last day… This really is one of our favorites !
Meet up at Oulx station (direct Paris-Oulx TGV line) or Briançon, then transfer to Ailefroide.
Departure from Ailefroide (1550 m) or from the pré de Madame Carle (1800 m) depending on the season and snow conditions, hike up to Glacier Blanc hut, where we have dinner and overnight (2550 m). Expect a long day.
Ascent/descent: + 1000 m
Meals included: picnic and dinner
Accommodation included: hut
Departure for the ascent of the Arsine Glacier peak (3364 m): today is another long day but the scenery is superb with a breathtaking view over the North face of the Ecrins. Beautiful descent. Night at the Ecrins mountain hut (3170 m).
Ascent/descent: + 950 m / - 400 m
Meals included: breakfast, picnic and dinner
Accommodation included: hut
Departure for the ascent of the Dôme des Ecrins (4015 m): we will climb the North face of the Ecrins, well known for its beauty. This climb is difficult, but one that you won’t forget. Descent and return to the valley. Transfer back to Briançon and the train station Oulx-Cesana (TGV).
Ascent/descent: + 950 m / - 2200 m
Meals included: breakfast and picnic
Please note this itinerary is an example of a ski touring trip in the Ecrins and should only be used as a guideline. The guide may adjust certain itineraries and ski areas according to weather and snow conditions as well as participants' abilities. We kindly ask you to respect such decision. We may also change accommodation, maintaining the same standards, according to logistics and availabilities.
In case practices and customs defined by the local guide authorities change, estimating the reasonable number of clients per guide, for safety reasons, Azimut respects these, even last minute, decisions. Such cases are rare and mostly related to unusual conditions in the mountains. Therefore some compensation may be requested from your side due to less participants per guide.
Please be wearing your ski outfit upon arrival.
The last day, we try to get back to Oulx by 5 pm to catch the TGV, but we cannot guarantee this (weather, traffic). We recommend you to get tickets that can be changed.
Getting there
Parking
Free public parking can be found in Briançon and Oulx (both unattended) or just in front of our accomodation.
The slopes may have some short steep sections. You should be at ease with ski touring techniques and skiing on all types of snow. We may also ski on glacier terrain. You should master uphill kick turns without hesitation.
Good physical condition is required, some uphill sections may have to be done on foot. Ascents and descents vary from 800 to 1000 metres per day.
Good to know: if you don't have the level required, the guide may ask you to leave for the well-being of the rest of the group if necessary. If any doubt, please do not hesitate to ask us !
5 to 8 participants
Azimut qualified mountain guide.
All our mountain guides are certified. We choose them for their sympathy, their teaching and organisational skills. We stay tuned in, work hands in hands, and make sure their working conditions are the best.
Meet our guides just around the corner.
Bring a small day pack large enough to carry your personal belongings for the day such as (extra) clothing, your picnic, a few snacks and security equipment.
Considering the itinerary may be modified due to mountain and snow conditions, ski lift fares are not included in the price. The definite day to day itinerary will depend on local conditions. Budget approximately € 70 for ski lift fares.
The price includes
The price does not include
A 30% deposit, as well as the insurance cost if you choose to subscribe the latter, is required to secure your booking. You will receive a reminder email 35 days prior to departure for the outstanding balance that is due latest 30 days prior to departure.
We strongly recommend you to be properly insured for the chosen activity, medical expenses, personal accident & liabilité, third party risks and rescue (helicopter), as well as trip cancellation or curtailment.
Insurance related to repatriation and research are mandatory when booking a trip with Azimut. We have a full range of insurances on offer to suit the trip you select and the risks that it may incur.
Tipping is no obligation. However participants usually hand round an envelope for those who wish to tip the guide.
Azimut's minibus is used throughout the whole trip. Not only does this make the trip easier, but it also makes it more pleasant: we can chat, sleep and listen to our own music !
In case of emergency or delay, you can either contact your guide (a phone number will be provided before departure) or contact Azimut on: (+ 33) 04 92 23 07 24.
Please inform your friends and family with these details before departure.
Wifi is not available.
Poor mobile & 4G coverage.
During the trip
Depending on the size of group, you might end up sharing a room with someone of the opposite sex.
Before & after ski touring trips
Once we've received your booking, we'll provide you with a list of accommodation in case you need to book accommodation before or after the trip. All accommodation on the list is close to the meeting points and you may often benefit from preferential rates.
Make sure to wear bright colours, it's good for the soul and give photos a funky edge !
Skiing material (all in excellent condition)
Security advice: avalanche airbag backpacks are highly recommended.
They help to stay on the surface in case of avalanche and minimize the risk of burial. Our guides systematically use them and we highly recommend you to opt for high quality and reliable gear. If you don't have an avalanche airbag we rent them out at a very competitive price.
If you don't have the adequate equipment for the trip, don’t worry and travel light: we rent out the required gear and hand it over at the start of the trip ! Our equipment is relatively new, if not brand new, of good quality and adapted to your choice of activity.
Prices of rental equipment during the entire trip (these competitive prices only take into account the number of days of the trip):
Glacier Package (full pack+ice axe+harness+crampons) |
310 € |
Full Pack (ski, boots, skins, ski-crampons, poles) |
215 € |
Skis (skis, skins, poles, ski-crampons) |
175 € |
Airbag Backpack |
120 € |
Helmet |
30 € |
Ice-axe |
30 € |
Crampons |
35 € |
Harness |
30 € |
You can choose to rent equipment when booking your trip, or lateron by clicking on “my account”. If any of the equipment that you’ve chosen is out of stock you’ll be notified and reimbursed.
Clothes
This list of clothes is designed to give you an idea of clothes that it may be a good to have with you. By no means do you need to have the latest brands or the latest gear, but if you need to renew your wardrobe, this guide would be a good start.
Headwear
Bodywear
Footwear
Odds & ends
Toiletries and first aid kit
If you book a trip with Azimut, you'll get a 15% discount code on your confirmation page that you can use at our friends Glisshop.
Just go straight to glisshop.com ! Established in 1996, our partner stands as a leader for online winter sports equipment. Based in the centre of the volcanoes of Auvergne (France), they help every passionate skier and powder addict to find the gear they need by offering a huge and unique choice of clothing and gear available throughout Europe.
With close to 250 brands and 10 000 items for sale, Glisshop simply is the ideal partner to equip you from head to toe whathever activity may be your preference.
Our guides use the following brands for their gear and you'll have the opportunity to test them during the trip:
We are members of Entreprises du Voyage and APST.
Don't forget to
See you on the slopes !
Have great runs with AZIMUT !