Mount Pelvoux traverse (Écrins, Hautes-Alpes)

Description

Gaston Rébuffat, the famous mountain guide and climber, was saying: "You only become a mountaineer once you have crossed the Pelvoux".

This outing which takes place on one of the highest summit of the Écrins massif is without big difficulties but is complete. There is a succession of 40/45 degree snow couloirs, de-escalation, abseiling, etc. The descent of the Violettes glacier is sublime and unforgettable.

A good physical shape is necessary to appreciate this beautiful and great outing. But your efforts will be rewarded by the exceptional panorama that awaits you at the summit. All the highest peaks of the Écrins surround you, leaving you with magnificent memories.

If this traverse makes you want to do other more difficult mountaineering routes, I advise you to try the nearby beautiful Pic du Glacier Blanc and Cinéastes ridges.

The Pelvoux traverse can also be a good preparation and acclimatization to the altitude for the ascent of Mont Blanc or Gran Paradiso in Italy.

Program

D1: Climb to the Pelvoux hut.
Meeting in Ailefroide village, 30 minutes drive from Briançon and 1 hour and a half from Gap.
Departure from the parking lot and climbing to the Pelvoux refuge to spend the night.
Positive altitude difference: 1200 meters.

D2: Mount Pelvoux ascent and crossing (3946m).
We climb the Coolidge couloir, have a break on the summit and then descent through the Violettes glacier and the Ailefroide ledges.
Back to Ailefroide around mid-day.
Positive altitude difference: 1250 meters, negative altitude difference: 2450 meters.

The price includes

• Supervision by the mountain guide.
• Collective equipment (rope, etc.).

The price does not include

• Transport to and from Ailefroide.
• Half board for you and for the mountain guide.
• Snacks.
• Drinks.
• The rental of individual equipment.
• Anything not mentioned in "The price includes".

Accommodation

• Pelvoux hut.

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