The Ecrins famously enjoys 300 or more days of sunshine a year due to it’s unique position near the Mediterranean.
This area abounds with excellent valley and mountain rock (Ailefroide, La Meije, Dibona etc) as well as classic alpinism (France’s most southerly 4000’er the Barre des Ecrins is found here). In winter the steep valleys are home to world class ice climbing on both icefalls and coulouirs.
Based in Ailefroide and La Berade, accommodation is either idyllic camping or rustic gites. The pace of life here is laid back and apart from La Grave in winter there is absolutely no uplift – hut walks are definitely part of the experience here but that shouldn’t put you off.
This is one of the best corners of the Alps and shouldn’t be missed – a previous trip’s report is here Alpine Climbing in the Ecrin
Ratio 1:1 – 1:3
