Massif des Écrins, Alpine mountain range in Isère, France
This high mountain range spans the Dauphiné Alps, reaching 13,458 feet (4,102 meters) at the Barre des Écrins summit, surrounded by over one hundred peaks exceeding 9,840 feet (3,000 meters) and extensive glacial systems.
Edward Whymper reached the main summit in 1864 after French topographers had mapped the territory. Route development accelerated during the early 20th century, with the establishment of a national park in 1973 protecting the region.
Mountaineering schools established in this range during the 19th century shaped climbing techniques still practiced today, attracting international alpinists seeking technical routes across varying difficulty levels throughout the year.
La Grave to the north and Briançon to the east serve as primary access points. Hiking season runs from July through September, while high-mountain guides remain available for glacier and ice routes through May.
The north face of the Grandes Jorasses presents one of the most demanding ice routes in the Alps, with a vertical gain of 3,937 feet (1,200 meters) keeping climbers engaged for two to three days under extreme conditions.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
