4-day ski touring in the cerces massif

Technical level
Mountain range : Cerces, French Alps
4 days
4 - 8 people (departure is confirmed from 4 people)
Prices : from 685,00 €
[ + More information about fees ]

Booking are made on the basis of 4 participants, 750€/person. If there are 7 or more participants on the day of departure, we will apply a reduced rate (595€/person) and refund the difference (155€)at the end of the holiday.

In winter, the Cerces massif, and in particular the Clarée Valley, is accessible only by ski, generally from the village of Névache. The atmosphere is wild and the refuges are cosy and warm. In this idyllic setting, Roc Ecrins guides will find you the best snow slopes on itineraries that will take you from peak to peak, via dreamy descents, to discover all the magic of the Cerces in winter.

The descent/ascent ratio on this 4-day tour is very balanced, making it ideal for those who want to improve their technique. That however requires a high level of fitness.

Prices 2025 to come

Your trip day to day

Day 1: ascent to Buffère refuge

The guide welcomes you at our office with a coffee or a tea and checks your bags and equipment. Transfer by car to Névache in the Clarée valley. We’ll put on our ski skins to reach the Buffère refuge in 2 hours, a 400m climb. After dropping off our evening stuff at the refuge, we’ll set off to climb the crêtes de l’Echaillon (2500 m). From the summit, the view is fantastic on thee Cerces massif up to Mont Thabor. Descend to the refuge on slopes ideal for working your turns.
During the lunch break, we’ll take time for an exercise with avalanche transceiver and an insight on snowpack and mountain conditions analysis.

Meal and overnight at the Buffère refuge

Difference in altitude: + 950 m / - 950m

Day 2: ski tour around Buffère refuge

There are different options, but the ascent of the Grand Area (2,869m), which dominates the Serre-Chevalier valley and Briançon, could be a summit of choice if the snow conditions allow. We could combine this ascent with another summit close to the Cristol ridges if you’re still fit enough.

Dinner and overnight at the Buffère refuge.

Difference in altitude: + 1150 m / - 1150m

Day 3: from Buffère refuge to refuge Laval via the Pic de Baude and Pic Ombière

Depending on the weather and snow conditions, there are several options for reaching the next refuge. The traverse from the Buffère hut to the top of the Chardonnet hut can be done directly or by climbing the Pic de Baude 2571m with a superb north-facing descent. Above the Chardonnet hut, the day continues with the ascent of the Pic Ombière at over 2832m, offering panoramic views on all the north faces of the main peaks in the Ecrins massif. This fantastic day of ski touring ends with a descent of over 1000 metres on the beautiful north-facing slopes around the summit. At around 2000 metres, we’ll search untracked slopes through the larch forest before to reach the comfortable Laval refuge at the bottom of the valley.

Overnight stay at the Laval refuge.

Difference in altitude: + 1100 m / - 1600m

Day 4: pic du lac Blanc ascent and back to Névache

To complete this ski tour in the heart of the Cerces massif, we’ll set off to ascend the Pic du Lac Blanc (2980m) via a route skirting frozen lakes on a sun-drenched south-facing slope. Then a splendid ridge takes us to 2980m. We’ll take time to have lunch at the summit and admire the view: the Vanoise massif to the north, the Italian Alps to the east, the Ecrins to the south and the Vercors to the west. On the way back down to Névache, the route begins with 250 m of steep slopes in a cirque. Then we’ll wind our way on the slopes of the immense Torrent valley to finally reach Névache.

Difference in altitude: + 1000 m / - 1300m

End of our trip late afternoon in l’Argentière La Bessée.

NB : Ce programme est donné à titre indicatif. Le guide reste seul juge du programme qu’il peut modifier à tout instant, pour des raisons de sécurité, en fonction des conditions météorologiques, ou bien par rapport au niveau physique et technique des skieurs. L’itinéraire est également susceptible d’être modifié suivant la disponibilité des refuges au moment des réservations.

min/max people

8 participants maximum. Departure is guaranteed from 4 participants. You will be notified at least 7 days 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

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.

Equipment rental and changes are only possible before payment of the balance of your booking (45 days before departure). We advise you to take the time, as soon as you register, to list the equipment you already have or which can be lent to you. Any equipment initially rented from ROC ECRINS even not taken on the day of departure must be paid for.

The head

  • Sunglasses class 4*protective lenses
  • Ski goggles
  • A mountaineering or skiing helmet*
  • A warm hat
  • Sunscreen high protection (30 and 50)

The body

  • A mountain rucksack * suitable to carry skis if necessary, approx. 25 litres
  • A long-sleeved top, prefer merino wool to synthetic fabrics as the are more breathable
  • A fleece or soft shell jacket
  • A warm down jacket
  • A Gore-tex waterproof jacket*to protect against rain, snow and wind
  • An avalanche transceiver (avalanche transceiver) + shovel* and probe*.

Hands

  • A pair of thin leather ou fleece gloves and a warmer pair with a waterproof membrane

Legs

  • Ideally a Gore-tex type ski trousers *with with long side zips. For cold days, a long warm underwear may be worn underneath

The feet

  • Ski touring skis *
  • Ski skins* in good condition
  • Ski crampons* suitable for your bindings
  • Ski touring boots
  • Telescopic ski poles*
  • A light ice axe*
  • A spare pair of socks

Miscellaneous

  • Bring containers for around 2 litres of water, ideally a one-litre bottle plus smaller ones to keep warm and close to your body in your jacket.
  • Small knife
  • Small thermos flask
  • Camera
  • Small first-aid kit adapted to your personal needs, also containing elastoplast and double-skin dressings for any blisters.

This list is not exhaustive and should be completed with all what you may specifically need.

Our little shop

We propose for sale a great range of technical gear and clothing for all mountain activities 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, climbing bags, headlamps, mountaineering helmets and climbing helmets, ropes ...)
  • 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, second-hand 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

Ski touring 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.

Ski touring, as all mountain activities have some level of risk particularly of avalanche or injury in the event of a fall.
To reduce the hazards that they are exposed to skiers must follow the safety instructions given by the instructor.

You must be aware of these risks and accept them when booking.

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.

Skills and stamina level

Ski touring is physically demanding.
With an average 1000m daily ascent, it’s important that you arrive in very good physical condition to get the most out of these 4 days.

This stay is open to all good skiers who are comfortable on black runs in all types of unpacked snow and who master ski touring techniques.

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 (aspirant 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.

*A trainee mountain guide is a guide in training who is authorised to work and supervise climbs from their third year of training. They are not beginners, as it takes several years of practice and training to build up a list of routes and have the experience and technical level required to enter the mountain guide training course.

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

Full board in comfortable, heated mountain refuges. Blankets provided, hot showers, picnic lunches.

This accommodation is subject to availability at the time of booking.

Transport and carbon footprint

Transport

Transport provided by Roc Écrins. If none of our vehicles are available, we may ask you to organise car pooling with other participants. In this case, travel expenses would be refunded to the person using their vehicle.

Carbon footprint of the stay: 15,42 Kg Co2

That’s the 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:

8:30

the first day at our office 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 may receive a ticket for "l’Argentière" station in Savoie.

  • TGV connection, Paris-Turin. Get off at Oulx then take the shuttle to Briançon and l’Argentière.
  • TGV connection, Paris-Valence or Paris-Grenoble with bus connections
  • Night trains from Paris and the East of France. Information www.sncf.connect.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 at Saint-Martin de Queyrières.
  • From Italy, take the A43 Maurienne motorway through the Fréjus tunnel, then the Col de Montgenèvre. Drive through Briançon towards Gap.
  • From the south, take the A51 motorway to La Saulce, then head for Briançon (RN 94). You enter the Pays des Écrins at La Roche de Rame.

Price

Price per person depending on the number of participants
Number of participants
Price per person
4
825,00 €
5
825,00 €
6
825,00 €
7
685,00 €
8
685,00 €

Booking are made on the basis of 4 participants, 750€/person. If there are 7 or more participants on the day of departure, we will apply a reduced rate (595€/person) and refund the difference (155€)at the end of the holiday.

Price includes:
  • Mountain guiding service , including their meals, overnight accommodation
  • Full board accommodation in mountain hut from the first evening to the lunch on day 4
  • Transport during the stay
  • Organisation and reservations (accommodation, guide, equipment) of your stay
Price does not include:
  • Picnic on the first day
  • Personal expenses: snacks, drinks, etc
  • Individual technical equipment rental
  • Liability, repatriation and cancellation insurances
  • Transport to and from meeting point

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 have 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 with your 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)

Savoir vivre en montagne

Lorsque nous allons en montagne, nous sortons de la société que nous connaissons pour
nous retrouver dans un milieu encore un peu épargné par les activités humaine.
La montagne est singulière puisqu’elle est le symbole d’une liberté. En effet c’est un lieu où
quiconque peut s’exprimer, gravir, sauter, glisser, vivre, partager et plus encore. Que notre
objectif soit un sommet, une ligne ou simplement la découverte des paysages, nous
profitons tous d’un moment privilégié avec la Nature.
Pour garder cet espace de vie aussi beau et le conserver il faut aussi en prendre soin et
savoir vivre avec tous les acteurs de la montagne.

UN ENVIRONNEMENT FRAGILE, pour le préserver quelques simples règles de bonne
conduite : rester sur les sentiers, ne rien prélever, ne rien jeter et se faire discret tant vis à vis
de la faune qu’à l’égard des autres randonneurs et alpinistes. La montagne est l’un des
derniers lieux silencieux, et ce silence est un trésor à chérir, à respecter et à partager!

EN MONTAGNE, vous ferez cordée avec votre guide, vos amis ou d’autres personnes que
vous ne connaissez pas, tous unis par un même objectif.
L’entre-aide est de mise, au sein du groupe mais aussi vis à vis de quiconque aurait besoin
d’aide. Pensez au sens de « circulation » : Ceux qui descendent laissent passer ceux qui
montent.

EN REFUGE aussi, il est important de respecter certaines règles de savoir-vivre pour
garantir une cohabitation harmonieuse. Vous devrez vous déchausser pour monter dans les
dortoirs, des crocs sont prévus à cet effet.
N’oubliez pas que les réveils sont en général très matinaux alors soyez discret. Au réveil, il
est d’usage de plier sa couverture.

Au moment du DÉBRIEFFING de la journée, il est d’usage d’offrir un verre au groupe
pour apaiser les moments de doutes, de peurs, et/ou fêter le sommet, revivre les moments
forts, drôle et joyeux de la journée. Et, si le coeur vous en dit, à la fin de votre séjour, vous
pouvez remercier votre guide avec un petit pourboire, une tradition ancienne mais bien sûr
non obligatoire.

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
Pack : Skis de rando, bâtons, chaussures, peaux, couteaux 4 jours
Skis de rando
Bâtons
Chaussures
Peaux
Couteaux
169.00 €
Ski de randonnée + peaux + couteaux 4 jours
Ski de randonnée
126.00 €
Chaussures ski rando 4 jours
Chaussures
47.00 €
Bâtons 4 jours
Bâtons
24.00 €
Casque ski 4 jours
Casque
19.00 €
Pack sécurité : DVA, pelle, sonde 4 jours
DVA
Pelle
Sonde
62.00 €
Sac AIRBAG ABS 4 jours
Sac AIRBAG ABS
68.00 €
Sac à dos 4 jours
Sac à dos
18.00 €
Veste gore tex 4 jours
Veste gore tex
29.00 €
Sur-pantalon gore tex 4 jours
Sur-pantalon
27.00 €
Piolet light 4 jours
Piolet light
18.00 €
Polaire soft shell 4 jours
Polaire soft shell
24.00 €
Crampons aluminium light neige 4 jours
Crampons
27.00 €
Lunettes de soleil 4 jours
Lunettes de soleil
14.00 €

  Accommodation

  Other