Glacier de la Girose, Alpine glacier in La Grave and Saint-Christophe-en-Oisans, France
Glacier de la Girose lies within the Ecrins massif and spans elevations around 3600 meters with a southwest-facing slope. Its surface is marked by crevasses and offers multiple routes for different pursuits.
Until the 18th century, this glacier formed one continuous ice mass with the neighboring Mont-de-Lans glacier before they separated. This split demonstrates how the ice has transformed over the centuries.
The glacier shapes how locals relate to their mountains and is woven into alpine traditions, as seen in the ongoing use for climbing and winter pursuits.
Access requires alpine gear and experience navigating crevasses and following safety protocols. Visitors should expect variable snow cover depending on season and be prepared for high-altitude conditions.
Researchers have carved ice tunnels into the glacier revealing that ice depth beneath the surface is four times greater than previously thought. These findings help clarify how much frozen material still exists within the mass.
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