Pointe Cézanne’s crossing 3365 m - Arsine’s peak 3363m
Meeting :
6 pm at the Glacier Blanc refuge (2550 m).
This ridge crossing, quickly accessible from the Glacier Blanc refuge, is one of the most beautiful in the area, with the Barre des Écrins in the corner of the eye throughout the race. The snow ridges make a majestic backdrop to the Glacier d’Arsine’s peak from where the descent to the Glacier Blanc is easy.
Programm
Meet your High Mountain Guide around 6pm at the Glacier Blanc refuge (2550m) which you will reach in about two hours’ walk from Mme Carle’s meadow above the village of Ailefroide.
The next day, leave a little before sunrise time depending on the time of the season, and after going up the slopes towards the Pyramid Glacier, you will take one of the corridors leading to the summit of the Pointe Cézanne.
Then, the itinerary follows the ridge or slopes close to it, facing the Glacier Blanc, to reach Glacier d’Arsine’s peak by an aerial route, from where we will join the Glacier Blanc.
Equipment
– Mountain trousers
– Warm underwear
– warm fleece jacket
– waterproof and breathing jacket
– 2 pairs of gloves, bonnet
– warm socks
– sunglasses, sunscreen for face and lips
– backpack, middle size (30 to 40 liters)
– gourde (minimum 1 liter), lunches and snacks, picnic
– headlamps with batteries
– bed sheet. No need for sleeping bags (there are blankets at the refuge)
– alpinism shoes with stiff soles that can be fitted with crampons (check with your crampons before you hike to the refuge) (1)
– classic ice axe (1)
– crampons that fit your shoes (1)
– harness (1)
– helmet (1)
– hiking sticks (1) (1) Renting is possible
– Warm underwear
– warm fleece jacket
– waterproof and breathing jacket
– 2 pairs of gloves, bonnet
– warm socks
– sunglasses, sunscreen for face and lips
– backpack, middle size (30 to 40 liters)
– gourde (minimum 1 liter), lunches and snacks, picnic
– headlamps with batteries
– bed sheet. No need for sleeping bags (there are blankets at the refuge)
– alpinism shoes with stiff soles that can be fitted with crampons (check with your crampons before you hike to the refuge) (1)
– classic ice axe (1)
– crampons that fit your shoes (1)
– harness (1)
– helmet (1)
– hiking sticks (1) (1) Renting is possible
participants
2 to 3 participants per guide with the collective formula.
1 to 3 participants per guide with the private formula.
Access
The Refuge du Glacier Blanc is accessible by foot from Mme Carle’s meadow where you can leave your vehicle (large car park). About 700 m of ascending elevation on the way up. To access Mme Carle’s meadow, you have to go through the valley, from L’Argentière la Bessée (Hautes Alpes), Vallouise, Pelvoux and Ailefroide. There is a train station at L’Argentière la Bessée (“L’argentière les Écrins").
Level
It is necessary to have a good habit of cramping on steep terrain. Some access corridors to Pointe Cézanne reach 45°.
The itinerary is rated "PD".
Price
This price includes the prestation of a high-mountain guide of the Bureau des Guides et Accompagnateurs des Écrins. It does not include the eventual rental of equipment, neither the night at the refuge or your meals/snacks.
Period
Course scheduled all summer from June to mid-September. On request out of these dates.
However, snow conditions change quickly and the best time is often before July 15th. An early snowfall at the end of the season can rehabilitate this race.
The Glacier Blanc refuge is guarded until mid-September. After this date, you will have to consider making your own meal on site, with a stove, having taken the food to the refuge.