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We have chosen the Vallouise
Valley as our Alpine walking base for its unspoilt beauty,alpine
flowers,excellent walks and wild mountain scenery. No 'Chamonix'
feel here and no cablecars or ski lifts. Instead we have beautiful
views and a great variety of flora and fauna. Chamois and wild goat
abound and golden eagles nest in the Valley. So, come to Ailefroide,
our village base in the Vallouise Valley, for some great walks,
some easy, others demanding but all with the unique flavour of this
National Park, The Ecrins.
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Our base throughout the week is the 2 Star Hotel Chalet d'Ailefroide.
Rooms are ensuite, twin bedded and the hotel comfortable and
homely with its wooden construction and interior. The food is
excellent and my host a great guy! Most rooms have wooden balconies
overlooking the shaded garden. |
The Programme
Please note that this subject to change depending on weather and
clients wishes.We have plenty of bad weather alternatives
available as well.
Sunday. Meet at
the Hotel Chalet Rolland late afternoon. Settle in, briefing and welcome aperitif.
Kit hire if necessary arranged.
Monday. La Tete de la Draye. 2200m. Ascent of 690m, allow
2hrs30 for ascent. Pm , return via the flower filled meadows around
Ailefroide for photos ..A day
of great scenic beauty and thus taken very leisuredly with plenty
of photo stops.
| Tuesday. An early start for walk to Refuge
du Pelvoux. 2704m, 4hrs ascent. Wonderful marmot family at the
refuge plus great views. Lunch in Refuge.This walk climbs up
through delightful alpine forest and meadow , lots of wild life
and flowers . It then climbs steeply up into the wild comb where
the refuge is situated .This is real Alpine country. Descend
by the same route but time taken to see the sun setting
over the glaciers . |
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Wednesday. Le Lac de L'Eychauda. 2510m. Ascent
800m in 2hrs 30. Continue to Col for views.This is typical alpine
country with its flower filled meadows , hidden lakes, lots of wild
life including marmots , chamois and eagle plus those stunning views
of the range ..The lake makes a great picnic spot ..ready for a
dip !!!!!!
| Thursday. Ascent of mountain La Blanche.
2953m. Ascent of 1350m in 4hrs. A superb panorama of the giants
of the Ecrins from here.This is quite a haul up but we have
plenty of time and , as always , the pace is a sensible one
that allows for time to really enjoy all that is around us.What
is the point if its a trudge up , head down , no pleasure ..Yes
the mountains ARE to be enjoyed. |
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Friday. A leisurely start. Visit the Park information
centre at the Pre de Mme Carle followed by a slow walk to the Glacier
Blanc and the old refuge Tuckett. From there we continue to the
refuge du Glacier Blanc where we will spend the night. The rooms
are dormitories but the views and food excellent. The sun set over
the Ailefroide range is well worth the visit. Ascent of 676m to
the refuge at 2550m.
Saturday. After breakfast the route along the
side of the glacier is followed to the refuge des Ecrins where we
will have lunch. The views of the Dome des Ecrins all the way up
the path are exceptional. Parts of the walk will be on snow or old
ice but crampons are not needed. After lunch begins the long walk
back down to the valley. A great day and fitting conclusion to the
holiday. Refuge des Ecrins, 3170m. Ascent of 1000m. Allow 3hrs ascent.
Sunday. Depart after breakfast .
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Please note that none of the walks require climbing ability
and our pace in the hills is a sensible one, after all it is
a holiday!!!This is an ideal holiday for those who love the
mountain atmosphere. |
Price: £595
Inclusive of accommodation in 2 Star hotel on half
board basis, kit hire and guiding .
Excludes only lunches, and drinks with meals.
Dates available for 2008..
Sat 21 to 28 June
. Other
dates for groups minumum 4.
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