Day 1
The starting point is the valley station of La Grave. After catching one of the first gondolas, you get off at 3200 m. Depending on the conditions, you can ski up to the Col de la Girose or take the slightly less steep option via the drag lift to the Col de la Lauze. In poor snow conditions, it may be advisable to abseil down or descend by foot part of the "Couloir de la Girose". The existing anchor here are sometimes difficult to reach in bad winters. You should therefore find out about the conditions beforehand. The same applies to the "Brèche du Râteau", which is reached via the descent to the la Selle glacier. This crossing is almost snow-free late in the season, so a few meters have to be climbed. On the east side, you then descend into the Etancons valley. Here, too, you either have to ski down as early as possible or descend a few meters in icy conditions. Afterwards, skins are put on and the route is moderately steep to the "Refuge Promontoire", where you can open a beer. It is advisable to find out about the conditions from the hut owner Frédi in advance and reserve one of the coveted places in good time. With the fireplace flickering and the sound of guitars, it's easy to forget that you're at over 3,000 meters.
