We're off tomorrow night, and think we'll perhaps spend a week in Vallouise and a week in La Chapelle. Got some good walks lined up basedon your advice and the guide books, but obviously play it by ear when we get there!
Interested in the SLs for my still-growing son... A trip to the Alps in 10 days and he's just grown out ANOTHER pair of boots - help!
What type of crampon have you used with these? I wanted to get a pair of boots suitable for mainly walking/scrambling but with a couple of days involving glacier crossings and perhaps the odd steep snow ascent. I use SLs myself here but usually switch to my Kolfachs for the high mountains, and haven't used crampons with them. I don't want to fork out on 2 pairs that he'll be in for just one season... (but then he's the easy one; his brother is size 48 and still growing....)
Can anybody recommend any local guides for a bit of high-level moutaineering in the Ecrins? And any good introductory routes?
I've done plenty of winter climbs in Scotland but little in the Alps, and wanted to give my boys (13 & 15 - strong walkers) some high-level experience, but with the help of more experienced hands than just mine!
They've done some hard via ferratas last year in the Dolomites, and been comfortable on Scottish snow, and summer abseiling, coped with altitude on Mount Kenya, and we're well equipped with winter gear, so I think they're ready for it - in the right hands.
And any good routes that people have enjoyed without turning into epics... We'll probably base in Vallouise initially, and the Pelvoux Traverse looks tempting... But we're mobile and could go anywhere in the area.
Off to the Ecrins for the last 2 wks of August, for some walking, via ferrata and hopefully one or two high-level routes. First time in the Alps proper for our 2 boys - 13 & 15 and good strong walkers - after a great Dolomites trip last year.
Advice from friends so far has suggested Vallouise will offer plenty for us, and I know we'll have a great time wherever we go, but I'd be grateful for any comments and experiences....
If Vallouise may be perhaps very busy at end of August, any suggestions for alternative bases offering a good range of activities? We will have a car, and be camping.
Any unmissable routes, either low-level or high-level? The guide books are helpful, but difficult to choose from all the routes!
Any good campsites to be based?
Doing another thread on possible high-level routes and local guides...
Nick Hooton
