Go with a professionnal mountain guide for 3 to 5 days of ice fall climbing! This is the ideal formula for beginners who wish to get the basic climbing techniques really fast.
Do you want to start icefall climbing but you are not too sure on what to begin with? Do you already have the basics and want to progress to reach isolated icy peaks? Go ahead and follow Jody for a course of 3 to 5 days of non-stop ice climbing!
The Briançon region offers several valleys ruled by the severe cold of winter. If you already have a little experience of ice climbing, climbing routes or simply the desire to discover the region and its activities... Follow the guide!
You can try to climb in the lead or behind the guide with ascents of several lengths, adapted to your level with the aim to make you as independent as possible. During 3 to 5 days, you will have many different routes and icefalls to explore and each time marvel at new horizons.
Spots
Every day you will go to a different climbing site between Fournel Freissinière and Aigues or Ceillac.
Vallon du Fournel - Le Monde des Glaces
Max altitude: 1560m
Altitude difference: +300m
Overall rating: TD- / ice quotation: 5
Approach walk of about 45 minutes. This icefall is a progressive route to a steep cigar that you will find after a length in snow. Beautiful "walk" on ice.
Freissinières - Les Viollins: Fracastorus
Max altitude: 1250m
Altitude difference: +200m
Overall rating: AD + / ice quotation: 3+
In 5 lengths (or 4 depending on the itinerary). Relay on spits, jumps and relays on pads on a rock or a tree... A sporty route that can be adapted to different levels.
Ceillac - Formes du Chaos
Max altitude: 2000m
Altitude difference: +310m
Overall rating: D + / ice quotation: 4
This icefall is known in the region for its series of projections and a clear view on the mountains and slopes.
Approach walk of 10 minutes. 6 relatively short lengths with an inclination of 75° to 85°. Up 2000 meters you cross the path of a great hiking trail, here you can choose to return to the park or to keep going on a tube and a narrow fault before the last length on a steep wall or in the bed of the stream.
Terres Blanches - Lake Fangeas
Type: summit
Altitude: 2100m
Beautiful ascension of 20 minutes from Lake Fangeas. You will rapidly find yourself surrounded by ice for a 2 hours climb.