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.

The day's ascent begins early, with a 700-meter ascent on an easy approach walking, via the Col de la Bosse de Sialouze, to the foot of the Coolidge couloir. This 300-meter-long 40/45-degree section is the first difficulty of the route and leads to the much flatter Pelvoux glacier at an altitude of over 3800 meters. We then have to cross the summit plateau to reach the Pointe Puiseux, the highest peak on Mont Pelvoux, at almost 4,000 meters. After taking the time to enjoy the exceptional panorama of the Barre and Dôme des Écrins, the Pic sans Nom, the Bans, the Agneaux, etc., it is time to start the long descent to the parking lot. This one starts easily on the Pelvoux glacier, then joins the steeper Violettes glacier for a few technical passages (de-escalation, abseiling, etc.) and the Pelissier névé. The final section takes in the vires d'Alefroide before reaching the village.

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 the village of Ailefroide, 30 minutes drive from Briançon and one 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 (3943m).
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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