A smiling mountaineer on the summit of a mountain in the Écrins, surrounded by spectacular scenery.
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A mountaineer is climbing a majestic mountain in the Écrins, under a clear, sunny sky.
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A group of smiling mountaineers in front of a mountain hut, ready for their high-altitude adventure.
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A smiling climber on an alpine path, facing a magnificent glacier beneath a blue sky.
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Mountaineers on a glacier in the Écrins, surrounded by majestic mountains. Adventure guaranteed!
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A mountaineer climbing a peak in the Écrins, with majestic mountains in the background.
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A stone mountain hut in the heart of the Écrins, surrounded by crags and breathtaking alpine scenery.
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Three mountaineers on a summit, admiring the breathtaking mountain scenery in the Écrins.
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A group of smiling mountaineers at the summit, surrounded by majestic mountains and snow.
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A mountaineer climbs a majestic glacier in the Écrins, beneath a stunning sky.
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A group of hikers are exploring an enchanting glacier beneath the majestic peaks of the Écrins.
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A mountaineer is climbing a majestic glacier beneath a blue sky, ready for adventure.
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A group of mountaineers in the midst of a climb, against a backdrop of breathtaking mountain scenery.
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A mountaineer climbing a glacier, surrounded by the majestic landscapes of the Écrins.
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A group of mountaineers crossing a majestic glacier in the Écrins, under a cloudy sky.
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Four smiling mountaineers on a glacier in the Écrins, ready to scale majestic peaks.
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A group of mountaineers at the summit, admiring a panoramic view of the mountains under a sunny sky.
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A wooden bunk bed in a mountain chalet, ready for a mountaineering adventure.
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Mountaineers on a glacier in the Écrins, ready to scale majestic peaks.
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A group of mountaineers on a glacier, marvelling at the majestic peaks of the Écrins.
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A magnificent panoramic view of the Écrins peaks, with snow and majestic rocks.
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A convivial scene of a meal in the mountains, with a warm and friendly atmosphere in a mountain hut.
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A smiling mountaineer on the summit of a mountain in the Écrins, surrounded by spectacular scenery.
A mountaineer is climbing a majestic mountain in the Écrins, under a clear, sunny sky.
A group of smiling mountaineers in front of a mountain hut, ready for their high-altitude adventure.
A smiling climber on an alpine path, facing a magnificent glacier beneath a blue sky.
Mountaineers on a glacier in the Écrins, surrounded by majestic mountains. Adventure guaranteed!
A mountaineer climbing a peak in the Écrins, with majestic mountains in the background.
A stone mountain hut in the heart of the Écrins, surrounded by crags and breathtaking alpine scenery.
Three mountaineers on a summit, admiring the breathtaking mountain scenery in the Écrins.
A group of smiling mountaineers at the summit, surrounded by majestic mountains and snow.
A mountaineer climbs a majestic glacier in the Écrins, beneath a stunning sky.
A group of hikers are exploring an enchanting glacier beneath the majestic peaks of the Écrins.
A mountaineer is climbing a majestic glacier beneath a blue sky, ready for adventure.
A group of mountaineers in the midst of a climb, against a backdrop of breathtaking mountain scenery.
A mountaineer climbing a glacier, surrounded by the majestic landscapes of the Écrins.
A group of mountaineers crossing a majestic glacier in the Écrins, under a cloudy sky.
Four smiling mountaineers on a glacier in the Écrins, ready to scale majestic peaks.
A group of mountaineers at the summit, admiring a panoramic view of the mountains under a sunny sky.
A wooden bunk bed in a mountain chalet, ready for a mountaineering adventure.
Mountaineers on a glacier in the Écrins, ready to scale majestic peaks.
A group of mountaineers on a glacier, marvelling at the majestic peaks of the Écrins.
A magnificent panoramic view of the Écrins peaks, with snow and majestic rocks.
A convivial scene of a meal in the mountains, with a warm and friendly atmosphere in a mountain hut.
Mountaineering

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 alpinism 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.
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

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

    We’ll head to a climbing site in the valley to cover the basics: belaying, technique, communication within the rope team and climbing on rock.

    This first day of mountaineering training helps build confidence and foster the team spirit that will see the group through the whole trip.

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

The rest is for members

Join the community to read the day-by-day detail, talk to the guides and hear about new dates first.

Join +20,400 adventurers already signed up.

The guides who will lead your adventure

Guide Augustin - Aspiring Mountain Guide

Augustin

Aspiring Mountain Guide
FrenchFrench
EnglishEnglish

Originally from Auvergne and now based in the Hautes-Alpes, I’ve been passionate about the mountains since childhood. My travels, from Bordeaux to New Zealand, have strengthened my connection with wide-open spaces. As a former member of mountain rescue, I guide you with passion and a constant focus on safety for an unforgettable adventure.

Find out more about Augustin
Guide Thibaut - IFMGA Mountain Guide

Thibaut

IFMGA Mountain Guide
FrenchFrench

Passionate about the mountains, I discovered climbing in the Bouches-du-Rhône before diving into ski touring in the Ecrins. Since then, I've explored various mountain ranges, from Mont Blanc to Dévoluy, in search of pleasure and sharing. For me, the mountains are all about human adventure and working together on projects.

Find out more about Thibaut
Guide August - IFMGA Mountain Guide

August

IFMGA Mountain Guide
FrenchFrench
EnglishEnglish

Hi, I’m August, and I’ve been guiding in northern Norway for more than eight years. Skiing by the sea, under the Northern Lights, or simply enjoying nature: that’s what makes me tick. For me, guiding is above all about sharing my passion and helping you discover places close to my heart in a safe setting. Experiencing exceptional moments in the great outdoors is my reason for being, and that’s what I promise when I guide you.

Find out more about August
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, exchanging and spending time up there. Whether you’re here to discover, marvel or gain autonomy, welcome to my rope team.
Find out more about Mathis
Guide Olivier - IFMGA Mountain Guide

Olivier

IFMGA Mountain Guide
FrenchFrench
EnglishEnglish

Coming from the flat country of Belgium and being a mountain guide may sound like an oxymoron, yet here I am: Olivier, 35 years old. I’m always eager to get off the beaten track, and I’ll guide you with boundless enthusiasm through the magical world of high mountains, far from the bustle of the valleys. I’ll share the same enthusiasm for those convivial post-climb moments around a good Belgian beer!

Find out more about Olivier

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 2 nights in a mountain refuge and 2 nights in a gîte-style refuge, always in dormitories, with a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Full-board Meals: All meals are included, 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.
Mountaineering equipment hire for the last 3 days: crampons, ice axe, harness and helmet (available to hire at the next stage of your booking).
To ensure maximum comfort, the mountaineering boots required for the last three days are not provided. We strongly recommend that you try them on before you set off.
Any personal expenses (drinks, snacks, etc.)
Picnic lunch on Day 1.

What level to expect?

Level 3
Participants must be at least 18 years old
WHO IS THIS FOR?
You’ve already had some experience of climbing or hiking in the mountains. You want to take it further and tackle longer, more varied routes.

You’re at the right level if:
  • You do endurance sport for at least 2 to 3 hours a week on a regular basis
  • You can manage 7 to 9 hours of continuous effort with 800 to 1,200 metres of ascent
  • You’re comfortable carrying an 8 kg rucksack
  • You’re already comfortable in mountainous terrain (rocks, snow, glaciers)
  • You’re comfortable with exposed sections and don’t suffer from vertigo
Take the level quiz (opens in a new tab)

Getting there

Start · 09h00

Vallouise

End · 14h00

Vallouise

Transport

By train

By train

Want to avoid driving? The train is a great way to reach the Écrins.

  • Departure station > Briançon station
  • Briançon station > Vallouise (bus line 542, 40-minute connection)

You'll arrive directly in Vallouise, the expedition's meeting point.

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

By car

By car

Would you rather have the freedom of a road trip?

Parking is available in the centre of Vallouise, at the La Gravière car park or at the Maison du Parc.

Do consider carpooling: a WhatsApp group will be set up 10 days before departure so you can organise this with the other participants.

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

4.8/ 5 · based on 13 reviews
Top toujours a l’écoute et réponse rapide .
Augustin était un guide formidable. Même si mon français n'est pas très bon, je me suis toujours sentie intégrée au groupe, et toutes les informations techniques m'ont été présentées clairement, accompagnées de démonstrations très claires. Mais surtout, il était incroyablement sympathique et tout le groupe était adorable. Je n'oublierai jamais cette expérience.
Très bons choix faits par l'équipe sur le logement, le guide Augustin et le programme.
Organisation parfaite, équipe au top, guides expérimentés, rien à dire hormis que tout était parfait 😍
Top! Super Expérience - Je viens de revenir de l expédition "Initiation à l'alpinisme dans les Ecrins" organisée par Wildhartt et j en suis tres satisfait: des paysages incroyables, acquisition de notions de base en alpinisme, un challenge physique, et une organisation au top! Bref, les objectifs promis sont bien atteints et plus encore! Comme nous a dit notre guide Olivier (super aussi!), l objectif etait de nous sortir de notre zone de confort tout en y prenant plaisir - c est fait! Merci a Wildhartt et Olivier.
Super agence pour découvrir de nouvelles disciplines en pleine nature. La Team Wildhartt est disponible avant, pendant et après votre voyage pour répondre à toutes vos questions et prendre en compte vos feedback. Tout s'est passé à merveille pour ma part, c'était une expérience magique de découvrir l'alpinisme en haute montagne en compagnie de notre guide Olivier.
Stage d’initiation à l’AlpinismeMerci à l’équipe Wildhartt d’avoir mis en place cette expédition. C’était incroyable, je n’ai pas les mots.Organisation au top, rien à dire tout était parfait !!!Je recommande +++ cette agence d’aventures éco-responsables 🫶🏻

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.

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.

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.

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 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 break — 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 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 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.
  • 24% 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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Full refund if departure is not confirmed
Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure
Instalment facility available

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