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Test hike
Demonstration hike — no real departures are offered.
Verified guideMax 10 participantsGuaranteed departure or refund by the announced date
I still remember my first crossing of the Écrins: alone, with a pack that was too heavy and a map that was too optimistic. I learnt about the mountains the hard way, and above all I realised how much more enjoyable they are with others.
That is exactly what I am offering here: not a race or a test of performance, but a real four-day escape where we walk together and take our time. You may arrive on your own, a little daunted by setting off with a group you do not know. By the first evening in the hut, around a steaming bowl of soup, those nerves will already have melted away.
I take care of everything that weighs on your mind: the huts are booked, the stages planned for your pace, the logistics sorted. All you have to do is look up at the peaks and put one foot in front of the other. To me, that is freedom in the mountains: having nothing to think about but the moment.
What you will experience
A four-day crossing through the heart of the Parc national des Écrins, between wild valleys, high-altitude lakes and panoramic passes. Combining hub-based walks and loops, we spend each night in an authentic mountain hut, discovering high mountains that are accessible yet demanding.
This trip is for walkers already comfortable with several hours of elevation gain who want to experience a real alpine trek without the logistical complexity. Half-board accommodation, transfers from the station and guiding are all organised: all you need to do is walk.
A small group of no more than 8 people keeps things friendly and respectful of the environment. Each day leaves room for taking in the views, photo stops and conversation. Mountains are not conquered; they are crossed with humility.
Technical details
Distance
58 km
Elevation
+2850 / -2850 m
Effort levelStrenuous
Long climbs, stamina required, experience helpful.
Required fitness level
Good fitness required: you should be comfortable walking for 6 hours and gaining 1,000 metres of elevation in a day.
Conditions & climate
High alpine climate. Cool mornings (5–10 °C at the hut), mild days (15–22 °C). There is a risk of thunderstorms in the late afternoon in summer, hence the early starts. Patches of old snow may remain on the passes in July.
Participation requirements
For adults only (aged 18 and over).
Each departure requires a minimum number of participants. It is guaranteed or fully refunded by the announced date for your chosen departure, no later than 30 days before departure. The guide may set an earlier deadline for accommodation.
Programme
01
Day 1 — From Bourg-d'Oisans to the refuge de la Selle (a gentle ascent)
Meet in the late morning at Grenoble station, followed by an organised transfer to the starting point. After our packed lunch and a full briefing on safety, pace and reading the terrain, we begin a gradual climb through the larch forest. Around 750 metres of ascent and 4 hours of actual walking take us to our first hut, perched at 2,100 metres. We get to know each other over dinner and spend the night in a dormitory.
02
Day 2 — High-altitude lakes and the first pass (the big day)
An early start after a hearty breakfast. The most demanding day of the trip: we cross two hanging valleys, follow three glacial lakes of an unreal blue, then cross a pass at 2,750 metres with a 360° panorama of the Barre des Écrins. 1,000 metres up, 700 metres down, 6 to 7 hours of walking. A picnic by the water. We spend the night in a second hut, famous for its blueberry tart.
03
Day 3 — Ridges and alpine pastures (a day to take it all in)
A gentler day along an easy ridge, among grazing herds and marmots. The terrain gives us breathing space: we take time for photo stops, an introduction to reading the landscape and navigation. 550 metres of elevation change and 4 hours 30 minutes of walking. Back to the refuge de la Selle for our final evening together, often the most memorable.
The agreement
Included in the price
- 3 nights in mountain huts with half board
- All dinners and breakfasts
- Transfers between Grenoble station and the starting point
- Guiding by a qualified walking leader throughout the 4 days
- Safety briefing and use of group equipment (first-aid kit, accessory cord)
- Professional liability insurance
At your own expense
- Travel to Grenoble
- Lunches (picnics, approximately €12 per day)
- Personal drinks and snacks
- Individual equipment (see list)
- Personal cancellation and repatriation insurance
Your backpack
Equipment to bring
Required
- 01High-cut hiking boots
- 02Waterproof jacket
- 03Sleeping bag liner
- 04Head torch
- 051.5 L water bottle
Recommended
- 35–40 L backpack
- Broken-in, high-cut hiking boots
- Waterproof jacket and fleece
- Water bottle of at least 1.5 L
- Head torch
- Sleeping bag liner (required in huts)
- Minimal toiletries
Meeting point
Gare SNCF de Grenoble (transfert organisé inclus jusqu'au départ)
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
A question about this hike?
Our team can help before you book.
Your guide
Loris
Verified
New·
Ardennes
·3 years of experience
2 Hikes offered
Passionate about mountains and wide-open spaces since childhood, I grew up in the Belgian Ardennes before exploring the Alps, Iceland’s volcanoes and Morocco’s wild trails. A certified professional guide for 8 years, I lead groups of 2 to 12 people on routes I have marked out myself and tested in every season. My approach is to slow down, observe and share. I would rather spend 20 minutes taking in a panorama than rack up kilometres with my head down.
TrekFriendly is a management mandate intermediary and is not a travel organiser within the meaning of the law of 21/11/2017. By booking, you mandate your guide to organise logistics (accommodation, transport) on your behalf. The displayed price is broken down into Logistics Costs, Guiding Fees and Platform Commission.
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Demonstration hike — no real departures are offered. You can test the booking process up to the last step; payment is disabled.
Indicative price
€1,250.00
per person
Upcoming departures
- 8 places available
- 10 places available
The first step towards your next outing.
An unexpected event? The cancellation fees depend on the date you cancel.
Cancellation terms
For a personal cancellation, apart from the right to cancel without charge, the following fees apply:
- More than 60 days before departure
- 10 %
- Between 46 and 60 days before departure
- 25 %
- Between 15 and 45 days before departure
- 70 %
- 14 days or less before departure
- 100 %
The amount retained is calculated on the total price and limited to the sums already paid.
For this personal cancellation, the commission is the minimum amount retained, subject to applicable legal limits. For a low-value booking, the amount retained may therefore exceed the stated percentage.
For a package holiday, the fees must remain reasonable and justifiable. The rights to cancel without charge and receive a full refund take precedence over this scale. Contact us to have exceptional circumstances reviewed.
From
€1,250.00
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