COL DU SÉLÉ, 3283m. , the perfect ascent to discover mountaineering

Technical level
Mountain range : Ecrins
2 days
3 - 5 people (departure is confirmed from 3 people)
Prices : 380,00 €

The ascent of the Col du Sélé is the perfect introduction to mountaineering. With no particular technical difficulties, it’s a route accessible to anyone in good physical condition. This 2-day mountaineering course will allow you to discover the rules of alpine climbing within a unique environment. Roped up and wearing crampons, you’ll have a front-row seat to admire an exceptional panorama marked by the presence of numerous tormented glaciers...
At sunrise, this amphitheatre is ablaze with incredible lights that illuminate the impressive walls of the Ailefroides and Pelvoux and will accompany you throughout the climb to the summit.

Private booking available. Prices on request.

Your trip day to day

Day 1 : ascent to the refuge du Sélé

The guide welcomes you in our premisses and offers you a coffee, tea or yogi tea. He then check the weight of your rucksack and equip you if you have hired equipment. After a transfer to Ailefroide, we’ll set off for the ascent to the Sélé hut, perched at 2511m. We’ll make our way up a raging torrent along which chamois like to graze on the soft grass. We’ll be able to watch them at our leisure: we’re in the Ecrins National Park, where the great fauna has no fear of human proximity. As we climb up the wild valley, we come up against a rocky bar, which can be easily crossed by following a route that winds along the side. After around a 3 hours walk, we reach the refuge, which sits enthroned on a promontory with a breathtaking view over the valley.

Meal and overnight stay at the refuge.

Ascent: + 1000 m; Climbing time: Approx. 3 hours 30 mins.

Day 2 : Col du Sélé ascent and back to the valley

After a hearty breakfast, we set off at around 5 a.m. for the ascent of the col du Sélé (3283 m) via the Sélé glacier. Roped up, we climb up the centre of the glacier, skirting the north face of Pointe Holmes. The first light of sunrise on the Pelvoux and Ailefroides faces is unforgettable. We reach the summit after around 3 hours’ walking. From it, you can admire the crenellated peaks of the Bans overlooking the tormented Pilatte glacier. The descent takes the same route.

Altitude difference: + 760 m / - 1760 m; Ascent time: 3 h; Total time: 7 to 8 h.

End of our journey in late afternoon at l’Argentière-la-Bessée.

NB : The programme is intended as a guide only. It could be modified at any time by the mountain guide for safety reasons, weather conditions or regarding the physical and technical level of the participants.

Teaching

The aim of this 2-day introductory course is to teach you the basic techniques of mountaineering and develop your climbing skills in an exceptional environment. From roping up to using crampons and ice axes, the guide will give you the keys to discovering the high mountains safely and enjoyably.

min/max people

5 participants max. Departure is guaranteed from 3 participants. You will be notified at least 48 hours before departure in the event of cancellation. Where possible, an alternative solution will be offered.

NB : For cancellation conditions for privatised trips (made up groups) please refer to our conditions of sale.

Equipment : gear and clothing

Personal equipment

Hiking in high mountain requires being able to cope with all weather and environmental conditions which can change very quickly. Appropriate equipment guarantees safety and represents an essential part of the success and comfort of your climb/stay.}
You will not necessarily use all the items on this list which but you must nevertheless have them in your bag.

All of this equipment is technical and generally quite expensive. Please note that we offer some of this equipment for rental, they are indicated by a * in the list below, you will find rental prices in the "Gear rental and extras prices" section. Please note, the mountaineering kit that we offer for rental only includes individual technical equipment (mountaineering boots, crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet); clothing (gore tex jacket, soft shell fleece, goretex pants) are not part of it.

Equipment hire and changes to your booking are only possible before payment of the balance of your booking (45 days before departure). We advise you to take the time, upon registration, to list the equipment you already have.No equipment initially rented from ROC ECRINS and not taken or used on the day of departure will be refunded.

Important, if you have your own personal equipment: the legislation regarding P.P.I. (personal protective equipment, this is the helmet, harness, and sunglasses) limits the use of the equipment over time. They can be used for 5 years from the date of purchase. Beyond this date, your equipment is considered to no longer be up to standard. You can find all the information regarding P.P.E. here > www.inrs.fr

Headwear

At high altitudes, snow reflects UV rays and the sun’s rays are not as well filtered by the atmosphere; even a cloudy sky allows 90% of UV rays to pass through, so it is essential to protect yourself against the dangers of the sun.

  • A pair of class 4 protection sunglasses is highly recommended for everyone and very strongly recommended for sensitive eyes. They’ll come in handy on a ski holiday too.
  • Sun cream high protection (index 50 recommended) for face and lips; remember to take the smallest size possible (no large tubes)
  • a cap for the approach walk (prefer a soft model with no large seams that can be worn under the helmet)
  • a ski mask (indispensable in case of gusts of wind or snowfall)
  • a beanie hat that can be worn under the helmet (without pompoms)
  • a helmet* approved for mountaineering ( 5 years max since date of purchase)
  • a neck gaiters or Buff(avoid scarves)
  • a headlamp with loaded batteries!!!

Bodywear

When making a prolonged effort at altitude, the principle is to be able to layer different garments according to the intensity of the effort and the weather conditions (temperature, wind, snowfall, rain), in order to stay as dry as possible.

NB: ski clothes are not suitable because they are often too warm, too heavy and not very breathable.

Upper body

  • First layer: a long-sleeve base layer in a breathable, quick-drying material such as merino, wood fibre..., cotton to be avoided(to protect you from UV rays and for safety in the event of a fall).
    Second layer: a lightweight fleece or soft shell jacket*. Ideally, it should be windproof and breathable. Put it on as soon as the temperature cools, usually when you arrive on the glacier.
  • Third layer: a warm, compressible down jacket (synthetic or down, -10°C protection). It will keep you warm during a long stop on the route, at the summit while you take photos, on the refuge terrace, and sometimes even while walking in very cold weather.
    Fourth layer: a gore tex* windproof jacket to protect against rain and snow. This is the waterproof jacket that keeps you dry in bad weather. It must be lightweight and breathable.
  • a mountaineering harness* (5 years max from date of purchase)

Lower body

  • a thin pair of tights in fleece or cotton, ideally ¾ so as not to make the socks too thick. You’ll need them in case of very cold weather, and you can put them on at the hut at the start of the ascent if necessary. You can also use it as nightwear.
  • Mountaineering trousers: mountaineering trousers are water-repellent, windproof, breathable and hard-wearing. You can also take hiking or trekking trousers that aren’t too light (as long as you have a gore tex overtrouser to put over them). NB: mountaineering trousers are not available for hire
  • an overtrouser* in GoreTex or equivalent material: these are very light trousers that you put over your trousers in case of rain, wind or snow. They have zips along the legs, so you can put them on quickly at any time without having to remove your shoes.

The hands

  • a pair of thin gloves in fleece, softshell or leather for the climbs to the refuge.
  • one pair of thicker gloves like ski gloves
  • a pair of VERY WARM Mittens (if your ski gloves aren’t warm enough), which you’ll put over the thin gloves when you get to the top and for the descent.

Footwear

  • Mountaineering boots* (crampon-compatible): these boots are different from hiking boots. They are rigid, which will enable you to crampon on ice while providing good support for the ankle and crampons. They must also be waterproof and offer excellent protection against the cold.
  • Hiking or mountaineering socks : these should be warm and well-fitting and high enough to rise above boot level to avoid overheating. One pair is enough for a 48-hour mountain run. You can also take a pair of very light mini-socks to put on in the refuge in the evening while your pair of technical socks dry.
  • a pair of crampons* with anti-boot in good condition and sharp, suitable for your boots,
  • a mountaineering ice axe* light and long, suited to your height, it should almost reach the ground when in your hand with your arm extended alongside your body.
  • gaiters* which will keep your feet dry in fresh snow; they also prevent crampon points catching on the bottom of your trousers.
    NB: all refuges provide slippers, so you don’t need to take extra shoes.

Guide’s tip for 48-hour tours: as most of the time the refuge is reached on footpaths, you can plan to go up and down in trail trainers (soles with crampons) to protect your feet from the heat that can be caused by the rigidity of mountaineering boots (you’ll need to have your mountaineering boots in your bag). You can leave your trainers at the refuge before setting off on the climb and pick them up on your return.

This adds weight, but it can be very useful for those with sensitive feet - the choice is yours...

And last but not least

  • Telescopic walking poles* with snow washers (8 cm minimum diameter ). Not compulsory but highly recommended; they will help you on the way up and take the strain off your knees on the way down.
  • water : make sure you have enough water for around 2 litres, ideally a one-litre plastic bottle plus smaller ones (around 25 cl) to keep warm and close to your body in your jacket. Water bags are not suitable for use at high altitude because they freeze! You can use them, but only when going up to the refuge.
  • energy food (cereal bars, dried fruit...depending on your habits),
  • small thermos 500ML max (not compulsory, a hot drink can be comforting but it adds weight...)
  • camera: prefer a small size that you can slip into your pocket, no need to bring a large camera that risks being damaged. Besides, with the cold the battery would be empty very quickly.
  • small first aid kit adapted to your personal needs, also containing elastoplast and double-skin dressings for any blisters. If you are taking medication, take only the number of tablets you need. Pack a few paracetamol tablets as it’s not uncommon to suffer from headaches when at altitude.
  • micro Toilet Bag: just the bare essentials (toothbrush, mini tube of toothpaste...) and, very important, earplugs for a good night’s sleep in the refuge.
  • a bed liner (meat bag): compulsory for nights in refuges. All the refuges are providing pillows and duvets but these are obviously not washed after each passage.
  • a bin bag to isolate your wet stuff in case of rain or a waterproof overbag.
  • documents always useful to have with you in a small waterproof bag: ID proof, references of your assistance insurance if you haven’t taken out the policy we offer.
  • A small amount of cash for personal expenses (drinks, etc.) in the refuges (most of the refuges don’t accept payment by credit card).

And remember, all of the above must fit into:

  • A mountain rucksack* of around 35 litres (40 litres max) with ice axe holder and chest strap. The filled rucksack should not exceed 10 kg, including technical equipment (crampons, harness, helmet). Remember that weight is the mountaineer’s enemy. Once you’ve packed your rucksack, there should still be room for a picnic!

You should also bring a second bag (such as a soft travel bag) to store the items you don’t need for the nights at the refuge and to leave in your car.

ROC ECRINS proposes for sale equipment adapted to your activity and your stay DIRECTLY on our premises in L’Argentière-La Bessée where we will welcome you on the first day . Don’t hesitate to ask us for advice or ask your guide on site.

BRANDS ON SALE :

  • BEAL (Climbing and mountaineering harnesses, slings, descenders, carabiners, quickdraws, belay gloves, ice pins, climbing bags, headlamps, mountaineering helmets and climbing helmets, single ropes and abseiling ...)
  • CAMP (Climbing and mountaineering axes, liquid chalk and chalk)
  • SALEWA (Mountaineering shoes)
  • CASSIN (Mountaineering crampons)
  • ALTITUDE EYEWEAR (Sunglasses category 3 & 4)
  • YYVERTICAL (Climbing safety glasses)
  • NATURAL PEAK (Technical T-shirts in wood fibre, long and short sleeves and leggings)
  • ICEBREAKER (Merino wool technical T-shirts, long and short sleeves and leggings)
  • DYNAFIT (Ski touring boots, used and new ski touring skis)
  • LES BATONS D’ALAIN (Hiking poles and ski touring)
  • LABORATOIRE BIARRITZ (ecological sun cream, body, face & lips)
  • COMPEED (Double skin plaster to prevent blisters ...)
  • BOULES QUIESS (Ear plugs for good nights in refuges...)

High mountain : special warning

Contingencies

Mountaineering is dependent on different factors that we can sometimes neither anticipate nor control; we may therefore have to modify the programme of our high mountain holidays before or during the stay for various reasons:

  • if the weather and/or snow conditions make it impossible to carry out the planned programme and/or
  • if there is a delay in the opening or early closure of a ski lift or refuge

In these cases, we will offer you an alternative programme, sometimes on the day of departure, which you may not refuse.

Supervision standarts

Conditions in high mountain change throughout the summer and these changes can sometimes alter the supervision standards for each ascent. The supervision standards define the number of people that the mountain guide can supervise for each route and that standard can be modified during the season.
These changes may affect the price of the trip or the programme. Your registration for one of our trips or ascents means that you understand and accept this possibility.

Hazards

Mountaineering exposes to random but real hazards, especially avalanches, rock falls, falls into crevasses and very low temperatures....To limit these risks, it is essential to follow the safety instructions given by the guide. You must be aware of these risks and accept them when you book a trip with us.

Health condition

No medical certificate required to take part in our trips, but it may be useful to check with your doctor that you have no contraindications (particularly in the case of chronic illness) to physical activity in the high mountains.

If you are undergoing any particular treatment, please let us know so that we can take appropriate measures if necessary.

Altitude can cause acute mountain sickness when you are not sufficiently acclimatised, also known as AMS. In most cases, it is accompanied by headaches, nausea and a general feeling of discomfort, but in the most serious cases it can lead to pulmonary or cerebral oedema, requiring an immediate descent.

That’s why it’s always a good idea, before any ascent or high altitude stay wherever possible, to do some hiking in the mountains or medium mountains, especially for those who live at sea level.

Skills and stamina level

The aim of this trip is to introduce you to the world of the high mountains. Although the altitude differences and ascent times are reasonable, the altitude, the equipment (rucksack, mountaineering boots, etc.), the diversity and instability of the terrain encountered and sometimes the rigours of the environment are all factors that will increase the effort you have to put in during the climbs.

If you are a good hiker or regularly practise an endurance sport, this is the ideal preparation. If you don’t, we advise you to train in the weeks/months leading up to your stay: brisk walking (ideally on paths/trails and with a gradual change in altitude), running, cycling or swimming at high intensity... any sport that increases your cardio-respiratory capacity is ideal.

Ideally, physical preparation can be achieved through hikes of progressive difficulty if you live in a mountain environment; completing a 1000 metre ascent without suffering will ensure you have the qualities required for these very fine climbs.

N.B.: If you do not have the required level, the guide may ask you to leave the course for the safety of the whole group.

Guiding

By state-certified mountain guides or trainees mountain guides from the Roc Écrins team. They will have a VHF radio connected to the emergency services, a satellite phone or a mobile phone. They will also have a collective first-aid kit.

Insurances

To take part in one of our stays, you must be properly insured for the chosen activity (rescue and repatriation costs) in the event of an incident or accident occurring during the stay. (We strongly recommend that this also includes cancellation cover). It is your responsibility to check the cover provided by your personal insurance policy. If you do not have such an insurance, you can take out the EUROP ASSISTANCE contract when you sign up. The amount of the "ASSISTANCE" insurance covering repatriation, rescue and search costs represents 2.4% of the price of the stay. MULTIRISK" insurance covering assistance, cancellation, loss of luggage and interruption of holiday, represents 5.6% of the price of the holiday.

Accommodation

You will be welcomed by Sophie at the Sélé high mountain refuge. Perched on an impressive rocky outcrops closing the Celse-Nière valley, the Sélé refuge (2511 m) was built in 1983 on the Sélé glacier, undoubtedly one of the wildest in the Ecrins massif.
Night in dormitory. No shower in the refuge.

Transport and carbon footprint

Transport from the meeting point to the starting point of the course by car pooling among participants (or by Roc Ecrins if one of our vehicles is available).

Carbon footprint of your stay: 10kg Co2

That’s the amount of CO2 produced by our travels during your stay!

To join us :

Why not car pool or take the train ?

For information:

  • Paris - L’Argentière-La Bessée (710km) by overnight train !
  1. By train : 2,53 kgCo2
  2. By car : 137 kg CO2
  3. By electric car : 14,1 kgCO2
  • Lyon - L’Argentière-La Bessée (250 km)
  1. By train : 1,22 kgCo2
  2. By car : 48,4 kg CO2
  3. By electric car : 4,96 kgCO2
  • Marseille - L’Argentière-La Bessée (259km)
  1. By train : 0,88 kgCo2
  2. By car : 50,1 kgCO2
  3. By electric car : 5,13 kg CO2

Carpooling ? We can put you in touch with other participants. Contact us by email or telephone. https://www.blablacar.fr/

Offset your carbon emissions !

For every tree planted, 150 kg of CO2 are stored !
https://www.reforestaction.com/plan...

Meeting point

Meeting time:

11:00

the first day at the ROC ÉCRINS premises in l’Argentière-La Bessée (05120, Hautes Alpes).

Getting there

The Pays des Ecrins region has excellent transport links.

If you’re coming by train,

The SNCF provides direct daily services from Paris, Marseille and Grenoble to L’Argentière-la-Bessée station.
PLEASE NOTE: the Pays des Ecrins station is called "L’Argentière les Ecrins". You must specify the full name of the station when booking, otherwise you risk receiving a ticket for "l’Argentière" station in Savoie.

  • TGV connection, Paris-Turin. Get off at Oulx then take the shuttle ( www.linkbus-alps.com ) to Briançon and l’Argentière.
  • TGV connection, Paris-Valence or Paris-Grenoble with bus connections (www.vfd.fr -04 76 60 47 08)
  • Night trains from Paris and the east of France. Information www.sncf.fr
  • from Nice, Marseille or Gap, regular bus services (www.autocars-scal.fr - 04 92 51 06 05)

If you are coming by car,

  • From the north, take the A48 motorway to Grenoble, then the Col du Lautaret (RN91). Drive through Briançon towards Gap. You enter the Pays des Écrins from Saint-Martin de Queyrières.

Price

Price per person : 380,00 €
Price includes:
  • Mountain guiding service , including their meals, overnight accommodation
  • Half board accommodation in mountain hut and picnic on day 2
Price does not include:
  • Picnic on the first day
  • Personal expenses: snacks, drinks, etc
  • Individual technical equipment rental (mountaineering boots, crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet)
  • liability, repatriation and cancellation insurances
  • Transport to and from meeting point and during the stay

Any other expenses not mentioned under the above section “the price includes”.

Our little extras

  • We welcome you to our premises for a cup of coffee or tea and equip you on site
  • Free parking is available at the meeting point
  • You can take a shower at the end of your stay.
  • You have free access to a relaxation area with Wifi, toilets, microwave, etc. while you wait for your train (5 minutes’ walk from the station).
  • You can leave a bag of personal belongings on the ROC ÉCRINS premises during your stay.
  • You will receive a 10% discount on our entire sales area (ROC ÉCRINS customers only)

How to book

To book your trip :

  • complete the pre-registration form online
  • You will receive a booking contract by email. It sets out the details of your booking as well as the schedule and payment terms.
  • On receipt of this contract, the deposit of 30% must be payed within 4 days in accordance with the terms and conditions set out in the contract. Your registration can only be confirmed when the deposit has been payed.
  • The balance must be paid 45 days before the departure. Please note that any balance not paid within 45 days of departure will be considered as a cancellation of your booking. Financial withholding would therfore be applied in accordance with our terms and conditions of sale.
  • For a of a booking made less than 45 days before departure, the total amount of the booking must be paid on receipt of the booking contract in accordance with the terms and conditions set out therein.

Gear rental and Extras prices

  Equipment

Title Details Price
Mountaineering full pack 2 days : boots, helmet, ice axe, crampons, harness
Mountaineering boots
Helmet
Ice axe
Crampons
Harness
79.00 €
Helmet 2 days
Helmet
12.00 €
Mountaineering boots 2 days
Mountaineering boots
26.00 €
Ice axe 2 days
Ice axe
13.00 €
Crampons 2 days
Crampons
19.00 €
Harness 2 days
Harness
10.00 €
Backpack 2 days
Backpack
12.00 €
Poles 2 days
Poles
17.00 €
Gore-Tex trousers 2 days
Gore-Tex trousers
19.00 €
Gore-tex jacket 2 days
Gore-tex jacket
19.00 €
Soft shell jacket 2 days
Soft shell jacket
15.00 €
Gore-Tex Gaiters 2 days
Gore-Tex Gaiters
16.00 €
Sunglasses 2 days
Sunglasses
10.00 €

  Accommodation

  Other