Dent Parrachée - Normal route (3697 m). A major, isolated summit at the southern entrance to the Vanoise, for a great introductory alpine route.
At the southern end of the Vanoise glaciers, the Dent Parrachée stands proudly above the Maurienne. It is an isolated, aesthetically pleasing summit that naturally attracts the eye. The ascent via its normal route is a great introduction to mountaineering, varied and accessible, with no marked technical difficulties, but with a real high-mountain atmosphere.
The programme takes place over two days. We meet the day before at the Plan d'Amont dam to climb together to the Dent Parrachée hut (2516 m). It's a cosy refuge perched high above the lake, with a great view of the next day's race.
On D-day, we set off at night. After a gradual climb through alpine meadows and scree, we reach the base of the Col sud de la Dent. This is where the real climbing begins, on steep slopes of snow or gravel, depending on the season. In hard snow conditions, crampons are essential, with a gradient of around 35° to 40°.
At the col, we join an easy rocky ridge, over rough terrain but without climbing. We continue on to the small summit plateau, where we pass the Pointe de la Fournache, before reaching the summit of the Dent Parrachée (3697 m).
The descent is generally via the same route, with the possibility of a loop depending on the conditions and the shape of the group.
📌 Beware: it's a long day and the effort will be sustained. You need to be in good physical shape to get the most out of it.
It takes around 2 hours to reach the Dent Parrachée refuge (2516 m) from the Plan d'Amont car park. We arrive at the refuge in the late afternoon, with plenty of time to rest and relax after the walk.
Dinner at the refuge, where you can enjoy a hearty meal in preparation for the day's ascent.
A good night's sleep and an early start the next morning.
This is a complete introduction to mountaineering, ideal for a first experience of the high mountains. You don't need any previous technical experience, you just need to be in good physical shape and comfortable in mountain terrain. I'll take you step by step through rock climbing and roped climbing.
Level F+ to PD depending on conditions. Snow slopes of up to 40°, easy but sometimes exposed rocky ridge. Requires stamina, independent walking with crampons and the ability to negotiate varied terrain.
Yes, at the start of the season or when it's freezing at night, crampons are necessary on steep slopes. I'll show you what to do if you're just starting out.
Yes, it's an excellent first summit: varied, aesthetically pleasing, with no great technical difficulty, but engaging because of its length.
No, the ridge is an integral part of the route, but it is technically easy. If you get tired or the weather changes, you can stop at the Pointe de la Fournache.
I suggest an alternative route in the area, such as the Chasseforêt dome or a lower route, always in agreement with you.
Live with your guide, from first contact to the summit.
Creative and flexible
A flexible framework for devising the most appropriate itinerary or activity for each day, depending on the group and the conditions.
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