Ecrins Mountaineering Initiation Stay
First steps in mountaineering at Argentière: crevasses, ice and small-group rope teams.
Duration
3 days
From
€670/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Expeditions
Comfort
rustique
Travelers
Solo, With friends, groupe
The spirit of travel
Discover the spirit of rope teamwork with this mountaineering baptism in one of France's most beautiful mountain ranges, led by Captain Raphaël, an experienced high-mountain guide.
3 days of training to discover high mountain terrain and its varied landscapes (rock, snow, ice), an exceptional human adventure.
Programs are organized on weekday dates to avoid weekend overcrowding, guaranteeing a higher quality experience.
Prerequisites:
Physical: Good physical fitness, capable of hiking 10 hours with backpack and 1200 m elevation gain.
Technical: accustomed to long hikes, no fear of heights.
🌱 This trip has a reduced carbon footprint. By choosing it, you support sustainable tourism, respectful of nature, territories and the local economy — a simple and committed approach, carried out by our agency's human and professional approach.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
The adventure region
Ecrins
Cap sur les Alpes du Sud : une montagne lumineuse, plus minérale, plus “grand ciel”, avec des paysages qui sentent déjà le sud. Ici, la lumière a quelque chose de spécial : elle accroche les crêtes
Discover Alpes du sud →Day-by-day itinerary
Ascent to the Refuge
We meet at 11:00 at the station in L'Argentière-les-Écrins to meet our Captain and the rest of the group.
After a briefing and rental of high mountain equipment, we transfer by carpool to the starting point of our trip.
After a picnic we begin the climb to the Glacier Blanc refuge, at 2542 m altitude. We gradually immerse ourselves in the alpine atmosphere with spectacular landscapes.
At the refuge, your guide will present the equipment and take you through preparation for tomorrow's ascent.
Evening and night at the refuge, in shared dormitories.
Activity: 600m elevation gain over the day / 2 to 3 hours of hiking
Arsine Glacier Peak
Early morning start at 5:00 AM for an ascent to the Pic du Glacier d'Arsine, reaching an altitude of 3364m. After an invigorating breakfast, we equip ourselves with crampons and ice axes, learning the basics of roped walking. The climb offers superb panoramic views.
After the moraines we will reach the Blanc Glacier, an immense glacier, then leave it to reach the airy ridges of Pic du Glacier d'Arsine. Sensations guaranteed with a few climbing steps.
We will reach the Écrins refuge (3175m) early in the afternoon for a well-deserved restful end to the day, surrounded by impressive peaks and glaciers.
Activity: 1000m elevation gain / 7 hours of hiking
La Roche Faurio
Wake up at 3am, breakfast, and departure with headlamps to reach the summit of Roche Faurio at 3730m altitude. This sunrise over the Barre des Écrins offers an exceptional panorama.
We will climb along the Blanc glacier and then reach the summit of Roche Faurio via a succession of shoulders and a very exposed final section, 360° view of the Alpes!
After savoring this spectacle, descent back to the starting point to conclude this unforgettable alpine experience.
Lunch break along the way and return to the station by 4pm.
Activity: 700m elevation gain and 2000m elevation loss / 8-10 hours of hiking
Hover over a destination or activity to learn more
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Transport to the meeting point
- Everything that is not explicitly mentioned as included
Included
- The service and supervision of the guide
- Accommodation in mountain huts
- Meals mentioned in the itinerary
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Our adventures take place in France: a valid national identity card (or passport) is all you need. No visa or entry formalities required, and no mandatory vaccinations.
Keep an identity document with you during your stay. Travelers coming from abroad should check their entry requirements for France with the authorities of their country of residence.
Our micro-adventures take place in France. Liability insurance and mountain rescue and assistance coverage are highly recommended — they are often already included with a bank card, a FFME / FFCAM membership, or your home insurance.
For fixed-date group departures, consider cancellation insurance. If in doubt, your Captain will guide you toward the coverage best suited to your activity (hiking, bivouacking, climbing, ski touring, etc.).
- Departure confirmation: no later than 14 days before the trip date
- Departure confirmed: from 4 participants
- Sales closure: up to 3 days before departure, subject to availability
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
France is part of the Schengen area. French nationals have no procedures to complete, of course. If you invite foreign relatives to join you, the conditions vary depending on their nationality: check with the French embassy in their country of residence before purchasing any tickets.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality custom trip, budget between €200 and €400 per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers and activities. Paris is noticeably more expensive than the provinces. Our detailed quote allows you to adjust each item according to your preferences and comfort level.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We design itineraries at your pace, with stops tailored to children: Loire Valley châteaux, natural parks, Provençal villages, Breton and Basque beaches. We select family-friendly accommodations and activities that blend discovery and enjoyment for the youngest travelers.
It's simple: chat with our team to define your wishes, dates and budget. You'll receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours, which you can adjust freely. Once confirmed, your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your stay to answer any questions.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Nomadays is a network registered in France. You benefit from APST guarantee, which protects all your funds in case of default. Secure payment, English-speaking assistance during your trip and support from A to Z: your peace of mind is our priority.
Let's talk about your adventure — Ecrins
A Nomadays advisor will get back to you to refine this project — itinerary, dates, budget, wishes — and propose a tailor-made version suited to your trip.
