Ailefroide Orientale, normal way, 3847 m
Meeting :
6 pm at the Sélé refuge (2511 m)
Located on an important chain in the Ecrins’ architecture, the Ailefroide is splitting in two parts the areas of the Sélé and the Glacier Noir. The valley seems to be a remote area and the feeling of elevation is very perceptible, in this summit which has a huge geographical and historical importance in the national park.
Programm
– You will be meeting your guide around 6 pm at the Refuge du Sélé (2511m) which you will reach after 3 hours hiking from Ailefroide village.
– The following day, you will be leaving just before sunrise. After you have walked the slopes maintaining the Glacier du Coup de Sabre, you will step on the pillars and buttresses of Ailefroide to reach the South edge of the Ailefroide Orientale (eastern), by a clever progression, characterfull and full of wonderful surprises. The mythical “banana” path will lead you to the final edge, very spectacular, from where you will be able to discover the south side of the Barre des Ecrins, more than 1300 meters of wall diving onto the Glacier Noir. Return by the same route.
– Ascending elevation: 1350m
– Descending elevation: 1350
– Time of rise: 5 to 6 hours
– The following day, you will be leaving just before sunrise. After you have walked the slopes maintaining the Glacier du Coup de Sabre, you will step on the pillars and buttresses of Ailefroide to reach the South edge of the Ailefroide Orientale (eastern), by a clever progression, characterfull and full of wonderful surprises. The mythical “banana” path will lead you to the final edge, very spectacular, from where you will be able to discover the south side of the Barre des Ecrins, more than 1300 meters of wall diving onto the Glacier Noir. Return by the same route.
– Ascending elevation: 1350m
– Descending elevation: 1350
– Time of rise: 5 to 6 hours
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
participants
- 2 participants per guide with the collective formula.
- 1 to 2 participants per guide with the private formula.
Access
The Sélé refuge is accessible by foot from Ailefroide, where you can park your vehicle (parking). There is around 1000 meters of ascending elevation. To access Ailefroide, you have to go through the valley, from L’Argentière la Bessée (Hautes Alpes), Vallouise and Pelvoux. There is a train station at L’Argentière la Bessée (“L’argentière les Écrins).
Level
The ascension is long and demanding, very interesting with an alternation of rocky and glacial passages. The way up to the refuge requires a sure-footed step, in order to pass the « Barre du Sélé » (L’Ouro), with wires.