Situated close to the Italian border in southeast France, the Écrins and Queyras regions offer some of the best valley icefall climbing in the Alps.
The area is centred around the towns of Briançon and L'Argentière-la-Bessée, renowned for their spectacular alpine scenery crowned by the mighty peaks of Le Meije, Mont Pelvoux and the Barre des Écrins. Surrounding these summits are the world-famous ice-climbing centres of La Grave, Diable, Fournel, Freissinières and Ceillac all legendary destinations to which climbers flock each winter to enjoy some of the most spectacular, accessible and reliable ice climbing in Europe.
Whether you're looking for a short fix close to the road or a world-class adventure on a huge alpine face, these valleys have plenty to offer throughout the full spectrum of grades, from the easiest of easy to some of the hardest routes in the world.
Add in to the mix easy access from major cities such as Grenoble, Lyon, Geneva and Turin, and you've got a true paradise of alpine winter ice climbing.
The OAC Ecrins, Selected Ice Climbs guidebook is the essential companion for the visiting ice climber, describing more than 560 icefalls throughout the Ecrins and Queyras regions. As well as detailed photo topos, the guide includes accurate 1:25k mapping, QR-code navigation and a handy summary table, making it easier than ever to select and locate routes.
