Dauphinee, Freissinieres
& Vallon du Fournel

information
information

The Dauphinee and the Ecrins massif is also known as the small Karakorum of the Alps. Wild mountains and deep valleys make up this area. Two valleys are of particular interest for ice climbers: Freissinieres and the Vallon du Fournel. Freissinieres is a legendary ice climbing spot that offers remarkable opportunities with around 150 frozen icefalls. However, there is a lack of easily accessible pleasure tours. They however can be found not far away in the  Vallon du Fournel, which is one of the most visited ice climbing areas in the French Alps. If the road is closed after heavy snowfalls, long ascends are to be expected. Though it is worth the effort as the valley offers a variety of icefalls of every character and level of difficulty.

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ice climbing highlights in Dauphinee

  • icefalls in Freissinieres - Gramusat
  • icefalls in Vallon du Fournel
  • icefalls in La Grave

SEASON

mid December - beginning of March

whereas end of December to mid February is for sure the best time

 

ratio

 

1:1

1:2

degree of difficulty

 

2

duration

3 days or more

price from

 

€ 1500,00 for 1:1

€ 900,00 for 1:2 price list

images
images
schedule
schedule

schedule

Depending on which valley you decide for, choose your base in Freissinieres or Fournel. If you want to climb icefalls in both valleys, Argentiere-la-Bessee is the perfect place - a mountaineering village with the world's largest ice axe... ;-)

Call us or write an e-mail, we are happy to advise you and put together a suitable programme!

location
location

location / how to get to destination

The ice climbing areas of Freissinieres and the Vallon du Fournel are located on the eastern edge of the Ecrins massif in the Hautes Alps province. Although the trip takes at least half a day up to a full day for Germans, Austrians, and also Swiss, one will simply be overwhelmed by the scenery and the ice lines!

 

    sleeping / food

    Accommodation and food are not included in the price. In this region, accommodation is available in every price category. We recommend to book the accommodation early enough as especially in the high season (Christmas, February - March), places can be fully booked quickly.


    Here are some addresses:

    Freissinieres

    Fournel

    Argentiere-les-Bessee

    Dauphinee

    by car

    • 2 h from Chamonix / France
    • 2.5 h from Cogne / Italy
    • 3.5 h from Milan / Italy
    • 6 h from Zurich / Switzerland
    • 7 h from Innsbruck / Austria
    • 8 h from Munich / Germany
    • 12 h from Vienna / Austria

     

    by plane

    • Aosta / Italy
    • Torino / Italy
    • Lyon / France
    • Milan / Italy

    apparel and equipment list

    Technical material is included in the price.

    Since we do not climb constantly, there can be "standing times" in cold temperatures, so make sure to bring along enough warm clothes - one cools down quite quickly!

    We recommend you bring light clothing of varying thickness to achieve an "onion system" for greater comfort. Cotton is not suitable as it quickly becomes cold upon getting wet. Skiing apparel, however, works well. Our recommendation: warm merino underwear and a fast warming down jacket.

    We recommend:

    • long underwear (bottom and top), synthetic, merino or wool
    • warm pants (lined or fleece)
    • warm fleece or long sleeve shirt (not cotton)
    • lined jacket or vest, preferably down jacket
    • waterproof jacket with hood (Gore-Tex or nylon)
    • waterproof pants (Gore-Tex or nylon)
    • socks (merino or ski socks)
    • woolen cap or lined cap that protects your ears and fits under a helmet
    • waterproof climbing gloves (2 pairs)
    • solid mountain boots (in exceptional cases ski boots are also possible)
    • gaiters if necessary
    • Buff (neck protection)
    • a minimum 25 litre backpack (space for clothing, snacks, drinks, climbing equipment)
    • sun protection (glasses and cream)
    • thermos or water bottle (already full!!!!)
    • camera
    • personal medicine

    If you want to take your own technical material with you: (otherwise rental equipment included in the price)

    • crampons: must fit the shoes and be easily adjustable, with vertical front teeth
    • climbing harness: always with adjustable leg loops
    • climbing helmet
    • ice axe: steep ice axe
    • screw carabines
    • backup device: reverso, ATC or similar
    legal information
    legal information

    details & insurance

    INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

    • guidance and instruction by state-certified mountain and ski guides
    • group equipment (ropes, ice screws, etc.)
    • climbing harness, helmet, ice tools and crampons
    • expenses of the mountain guide

    NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

    • travel to destination
    • drive to the respective ice climbing area or icefall
    • accommodation costs before, during or after the courses
    • travel expenses for the mountain guide
    • accommodation for the mountain guide (for tours of 2 days or more)
    • travel and cancellation insurance
    • personal climbing apparel
    • tip

    REGISTRATION AND GTCs

    Registration in advance is required for this course. You can call our office or register by e-mail.

    All participants must read and sign our general terms and conditions.

    You may register online here:

     

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    DAUPHINEE