La Meije – Traverse

La Grave

The traverse of La Meije by the Promontoire ridge is a world-class experience and a must do for the serious alpinist.

The traverse itself takes three days. Last day before going down back to La Grave can be rounded off with an easy ascent of beautiful Meije Orientale, 3890m. 

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Content

The area around Ecrins is remote and quiet, the mountains are grandiose. A approach up to a mountain hut from either Ailfroide or Bérard from the commune St.Christophe en Oisans is an unique experience. No cable-cars, big mountains. Spending a week here’s with classic mountaineering is world-class. Below is a three day program of traversing La Meije, the best climb around this area.

Program

Standard program for intermediate climbers consists three days of acclimatization and preparation training, then three days for summit climbing. However, for experienced climbers that can manage their own acclimatization and preparation we offer a three day program for the summit.

DAY 1

Starting in the morning from La Grave by taking the lift up to Peyrou d’Amont. From here there’s a 4 hour PD climb up to the Promontoire hut by climbing Enfetchores and passing Breche de la Meije.

DAY 2

The traverse starts early in the morning with head torches.  The 3km long route takes about 10-12 hours to climb. The climbing is varied, up and down with lots of rock climbing, little bit of mixed and snow climbing. We spend the night at the Aigle hut.

DAY 3

Ascent of Meije Oriental 3890m before walking back down to La Grave.

Extended Program

Together we discuss the need for extra days before or after the traverse of La Meije. Ad training and acclimatization days before the climb or extra days for the summit. This climb can be combined with other great climbs in the area such as Le Râteau, 3809m and Barre des Ecrins, 4102m.

We are happy to climb La Meije from end of June to beginning of September. 

Check if we have this activity already planned in the booking calendar, if not make a request and we will get back to you soon!

Level required

Very good fitness. Traversing La Meije requires very good rock climbing and cramponing skills.

Guide/Client ratio

Max 1:1

Length

Minimum 3days

Period

From end of June to beginning of September

Assurance

The client needs a travel and accident insurance for the implementation of this activity.

Price 3day program

1 client 1650CHF
For extended programs please contact us for further information.

Note

Expenses for the guide is not included in the daily fee(lifts, travel costs, lodging etc.)
The price is based on the recommended daily fee by the Swiss Bergführerverband, SBV.

Guide fee is depending on
  • Type of activity and where
  • Course seriousness and difficulty
  • Course length (day tour or bivinights included)
  • If going alone or in a bigger group
  • If booking a single day or several days
  • High season or low season

La Meije equipment list

Below is a recommended checklist that may change depending on conditions. Please contact us if you need to rent anything of the list below.

Technical Equipment

Crampons, harness, ice-axe, helmet, mountain boots, trekking pole

Other Equipment
  • Backpack 25 liters
  • Head torch & spare batteries
  • Warm hat & sunhat
  • Warm jacket
  • Underlayer, mid layer, extra socks
  • Jacket (wind and waterproof)
  • Trousers (wind and waterproof)
  • Gaiters
  • Thin and warm gloves
  • Sunglasses

  • Water bottle 1 liter
  • Thermos
  • Snacks, Bars
  • Blister kit: Including Compeed blister plasters and elastoplast or similar
  • Sunscreen
  • Earplugs: If you sleep together in the dormitory at the mountain station and there is a lot of movement.
  • Sleeping sheet for the huts