A glacier hike, an introduction to mountaineering

Les 2 Alpes belongs to the very select club of summer ski resorts. Since 1972 and the construction of the glacier gondola (now the Jandri Express), summer skiing has been a huge success in Les 2 Alpes. In 1976, it was the only resort to guarantee summer skiing even after the heatwaves. The summer months were fully booked and the snow groomers were out every day from 1pm, with the ski area only open in the mornings, but over the last 30 years, global warming and increasingly infrequent and abundant snowfalls have caused the glacier to melt, even though the Les 2 Alpes glacier remains one of the best in the world, alongside those of Tignes and Val d'Isère.By July 2022, it was already closed to skiers and only accessible to pedestrians.

Don't venture out onto a glacier on your own - you need a mountain guide who can suggest a hike for two or with a group. On the Les 2 Alpes ski area, the Guides Office, made up of 12 guides and mountain leaders, will be happy to welcome you and help you discover the glacier areas of the Écrins massif.

🌐Website: https://www.guides2alpes.com?utm_source=easyvoyage

☎️Numéro telephone number: 04 76 11 36 29

Your glacier hike will be done in complete safety, your guide will take you along a safe path and teach you how to use the equipment for walking on a glacier. It is important to communicate as much as possible with your guide about your physical condition or mountain sickness, which can be triggered at high altitude.

Who should try glacier trekking?

Glacier trekking does not present any real difficulties, as there is very little difference in altitude, and is accessible to people aged 10 and over. However, you do need to be used to walking, as this is still a sporting activity.

From Les 2 Alpes, take the Jandri Express gondola, then the funicular.

💰 Rates for the pedestrian pass :

• under-12s: €22
• 13-64 year olds: €28
• 65-71 year olds: €22
• over 72s: free with ID.

Even if you're wearing shorts and a T-shirt at the bottom of the resort, you still need to be properly equipped to walk on the glacier. You'll be climbing to an altitude of 3,600 metres, so it's important to check the weather and temperature forecasts before you set off. Here is a non-exhaustive list of the minimum amount of suitable clothing you'll need:

• A rucksack, if possible light enough to carry clothes, water and your other accessories. The outing can last up to 6 hours.
• Waterproof hiking boots
• Thermolactyl hiking trousers if it's cold, or ski suit bottoms if it's sub-zero.
• A breathable T-shirt - you don't want to feel cold after sweating.
• A jacket, if possible with a zip so you can open it if you get hot.
• A windbreaker or ski jacket
• Walking poles
• An insulated water bottle filled with water (bottled water can freeze during your glacier walk, preventing you from drinking)
• Some dried fruit or energy bars
• Sun cream and lip balm if you are sensitive
• Class 4 sunglasses (these are the most suitable for glacier walking, but you can't drive with them)
• A hat or earmuffs in case it gets cold (quite thin, as you'll be wearing a helmet, so don't wear pompoms ;-))
• Gloves if it's too cold, or at least under-gloves.

Your mountain guide is also there to help you complete your list.

How do you walk on the glacier? What equipment do I need?

Equipment will be provided for your glacier walk. You'll be wearing crampons that you can attach directly to your hiking boots, a harness that's light enough to allow you to walk comfortably and safely, a helmet and an ice axe, depending on the level of the hike.

Near the glacier is the high-altitude restaurant Le Refuge des Glaciers, where you can enjoy a crêpe or waffle after your journey, or a good hamburger, their speciality.