Group of climbers on a glacier in the Écrins, with majestic peaks in the background.
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Two climbers on a glacier, surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Ecrins under a blue sky.
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A climber on a rocky ridge with a spectacular view of the Écrins.
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Magnificent alpine scenery in the Ecrins, with majestic peaks and soothing skies.
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Picturesque alpine mountain hut with views of the snow-capped peaks of the Écrins, an invitation to adventure.
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Three mountaineers make their way across a pristine glacier under a sunny sky in the Ecrins mountains.
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Hikers on a glacier, majestic mountains and a dazzling sunset.
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Spectacular view of a glacier under a rising sun, majestic mountains in the background.
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A stone building with views of majestic mountains and glaciers, an invitation to adventure.
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Wooden accommodation with bunk beds, ideal for alpine adventures.
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Mountaineers on a sun-drenched glacier, facing the majestic Ecrins mountains.
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Breathtaking alpine scenery, majestic peaks and a welcoming Mountain hut.
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A group of climbers resting on sun-drenched rocks in a breathtaking mountain setting.
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A mountaineer at the top of a rocky ridge, facing the majestic scenery of the Écrins.
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Happy climber at the top of a snow-covered mountain peak in the Ecrins mountains
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Four smiling climbers at the summit, with the majestic scenery of the Écrins in the background.
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Four smiling mountaineers pose on a mountain path in the Ecrins, ready to conquer the summits.
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Group of climbers on a glacier in the Écrins, with majestic peaks in the background.
Two climbers on a glacier, surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Ecrins under a blue sky.
A climber on a rocky ridge with a spectacular view of the Écrins.
Magnificent alpine scenery in the Ecrins, with majestic peaks and soothing skies.
Picturesque alpine mountain hut with views of the snow-capped peaks of the Écrins, an invitation to adventure.
Three mountaineers make their way across a pristine glacier under a sunny sky in the Ecrins mountains.
Hikers on a glacier, majestic mountains and a dazzling sunset.
Spectacular view of a glacier under a rising sun, majestic mountains in the background.
A stone building with views of majestic mountains and glaciers, an invitation to adventure.
Wooden accommodation with bunk beds, ideal for alpine adventures.
Mountaineers on a sun-drenched glacier, facing the majestic Ecrins mountains.
Breathtaking alpine scenery, majestic peaks and a welcoming Mountain hut.
A group of climbers resting on sun-drenched rocks in a breathtaking mountain setting.
A mountaineer at the top of a rocky ridge, facing the majestic scenery of the Écrins.
Happy climber at the top of a snow-covered mountain peak in the Ecrins mountains
Four smiling climbers at the summit, with the majestic scenery of the Écrins in the background.
Four smiling mountaineers pose on a mountain path in the Ecrins, ready to conquer the summits.
View 9 departures
Alpine mountaineering trips and courses in Europe

Intro to mountain climbing in the Écrins

June to August
5 days| 4 nights
Level 3
Eco-score 4/5

What you will experience

Between glaciers, rock faces and unspoilt valleys, discover mountaineering in the Écrins: a wild and little-visited massif, ideal for a first mountain experience.
In 5 days, learn the basics of valley climbing before making your first ascent of a glacier: a complete introduction where each day prepares you for the next, right up to the Roche Faurio, your goal at the end of your stay.
Climb two iconic peaks over 3,000m: the Col du Sélé (3,300m) and the Roche Faurio (3,730m), your first real glacier conquests.
Spend two nights in a high-altitude Mountain hut and two nights in a gîte in the valley: the ideal combination of mountain immersion and comfortable recuperation.
Join a small group for a friendly introduction to summer mountaineering, gradually learning how to rope up and progress on a glacier.

Itinerary

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  1. DAY1/ 5
    • Accommodation - Mountain hutAccommodation·Mountain hut
    • Activity time - 5hActivity time·5h
    We meet at 9am in Vallouise, in the heart of the Écrin massif. After a welcome coffee and introduction to the guide, it's time for the first technical day!

    We're off to a climbing site in the valley to learn the basics: belaying, movement, rope communication and rock climbing.

    This first day of learning about mountaineering gives us a chance to build our confidence and discover the team spirit that will guide the group throughout the stay.

    At the end of the afternoon, we settle into our friendly Mountain hut and enjoy a mountain-style dinner to round off this wonderful first day.

The guides who will lead your adventure

Guide Mathis - IFMGA Mountain Guide

Mathis

IFMGA Mountain Guide
FrenchFrench
EnglishEnglish
SpanishSpanish
Hi, I'm Mathis. I'm a mountain guide based between Savoie and the Écrins, and I love sharing my knowledge and spending time up there. Whether you're looking to discover, marvel or become self-sufficient, welcome to my roped party.
Find out more about Mathis

What's included in the price

Included

Guiding: You will be guided for 5 days by an experienced mountain guide who knows the region inside out.
Accommodation: You will spend 4 nights in dormitories in mountain huts with a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Full-board Meals: All meals are included in the price, from the first meal in the evening to the picnic on the last day.
Rental of collective mountaineering equipment (ropes, karabiners, etc.)

Not included

Transport to and from the meeting point.
Hire of mountaineering equipment: crampons, ice axe, harness and helmet (available for hire at the next stage of your booking).
To ensure optimum comfort, mountaineering boots are not supplied. We strongly recommend that you try them on before setting off.
Any personal expenses (drinks, snacks, etc.)
Picnic lunch on Day 1.

What level should you expect

Level 3
You should be at least 18 years old to participate
The course requires the appropriate level to ensure group safety and a quality experience, with level verification possible by the guide. If the level is insufficient, access may be refused without alternative or refund.

  • You should be able to make a physical effort 6 to 8 hours a day.
  • No previous mountaineering experience is required.
  • You practise an endurance sport 2 to 3 hours a week (jogging, cycling, swimming).
  • You do not suffer from vertigo.
  • You're not afraid to carry your rucksack (6 to 8kg max) on the climbs (no porterage planned).
  • If you don't do enough sport, you need to start training 3 months before the start: running 2 to 3 times a week over distances of 8 to 10km at more than 10km/hour.

Getting there

Start: Vallouise (09h00)
End: Vallouise (17h00)

Transport

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You can get to Briançon station by train. Once in Briançon, take the bus (route 542) to Vallouise.


  • Departure station > Briançon station
  • Briançon station > Vallouise (40-minute connection)


Plan your journey (carpooling, train, etc.) in the most economical and environmentally-friendly way with Tictactrip.

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If you don't have a car, you should know that we're encouraging car-pooling between participants by creating a WhatsApp group 15 days before departure. It's a great way to get to know each other before you even start your expedition!

How to register

1

Step 1

Choose your departure date and number of participants

2

Step 2

Book online by paying a deposit or the full amount directly. It is also possible to book by telephone by calling +32 460 25 61 85 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).
  • If the minimum number of participants is reached, departure is confirmed!
  • If the minimum number of participants is not reached, we will give you a full refund.
Departure is confirmed 15 days in advance for adventures lasting more than 4 days. Departure is confirmed 7 days prior for adventures lasting less than 4 days.
3

Step 3

In the case of a deposit, the remaining amount will be debited from your account before departure.

Your reviews

The opinions of our participants who have placed their trust in us

Frequently asked questions

How comfortable are the Mountain huts?

Mountain huts offer simple but warm comfort. You'll sleep in dormitories equipped with beds and blankets; you'll need to bring a meat bag for reasons of hygiene and personal comfort.

Do I need to have done mountaineering before?

No, this expedition is for beginners who want to discover mountaineering. No previous experience is required, but you need to be in good physical condition to enjoy the adventure to the full. If you have any doubts about your level, don't hesitate to contact us to discuss it.

Will there be a telephone network?

Network coverage is rare and variable in the high mountains, depending heavily on your mobile operator. Sometimes you'll be able to pick up a signal briefly, but most of the time you'll be completely disconnected, which is part and parcel of the experience.

Are rucksacks carried between the various Mountain huts?

There is no porterage between stages, so each participant is responsible for his or her own bag. To guarantee your comfort and keep your equipment as light as possible, we'll organise a check-up of your bag together on the first day.

What will be the approximate weight of our rucksack?

Your rucksack will weigh around 8 kilos, thanks to the nights spent in Mountain huts or gites. You'll only need the essentials: appropriate clothing, minimal toiletries and a few accessories to protect you from the cold.

Why choose the Écrins for an introduction to mountaineering?

The Écrins massif is one of the best areas for a first mountaineering experience. Less frequented than other Alpine massifs, it offers a wilder, more authentic environment, ideal for an introduction to mountaineering in the Écrins. Its accessible glaciers, progressive routes and diversity of terrain mean that you can learn everything from glacier progression to the use of crampons, ice axes and roping techniques. It's an ideal setting for discovering the high mountains in good conditions, while enjoying a calmer, more natural immersion.

Are instalment payment options available?

Yes, that's right! At checkout, you can choose the Alma option to pay for your booking in 2x, 3x or 4x. All you have to do is select Alma at checkout and follow the instructions. It's simple, fast and secure.

Can I privatise this expedition for my group?

Yes, all our expeditions can be privatised for a group already formed, on the dates of your choice.

To make your request, go to the expedition that interests you and click on "Privatise the expedition". We'll take care of the rest!

What happens if the weather is bad?

At Wildhartt, nature is our playground, rain or shine. Rain, snow or wind: our guides adapt the itinerary, activities and accommodation to guarantee you the best possible experience.
Unless safety is at stake (storm, avalanche, flood...).


In this exceptional case, we can cancel an expedition, at least one week before departure.
If this happens:
→ You can postpone your adventure at no cost,
→ Or receive a full refund.


What kind of people usually join Wildhartt expeditions ?

You don’t need to be a top athlete or adventure expert to feel at home. Most Wildhartt participants are between 25 and 60 years old, with a balanced mix of women and men.


Many join solo or in small groups of two or three. They often live in cities and are looking for a meaningful brea some time to reconnect with nature, slow down, and enjoy something real.


They usually have a regular movement practice (hiking, running, yoga...), but not with a competitive mindset. They’re in good shape, but don’t necessarily have technical skills. What brings them together is a shared desire to disconnect, observe, learn, and experience nature in a more grounded, accessible way.


If that speaks to you, you'll feel right at home. The group spirit is kind and open, and the pace adapts to everyone.

What does the price of a Wildhartt adventure include?

At Wildhartt, transparency is essential. The price of your expedition reflects a clear breakdown of costs:

  • 30% for our guides, the mainstays of every adventure.
  • 35% for accommodation and meals, essential for your comfort.
  • 10% for equipment and transport, to guarantee safety and fluidity.
  • 25% for organisation and logistics, from first contact to the end of the expedition.
  • 1% for the rewilding of Europe, a concrete commitment to give back to nature what it gives us.

Our priority: to offer you a quality experience, with complete clarity.

Do you have any questions? Contact us.



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Selected from 9 departures

From € 1200 /pers.

Want to choose your own date with your own group?

Select Alma to pay in 2, 3, or 4 installments.

Hassle-free from start to finish.

Full refund if departure is not confirmed
Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure
Instalment facility available

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