On the outskirts of Grenoble and Chambéry, the Belledonne massif is a Mecca for mountaineers. Wild, unspoilt, with no ski lifts, it offers a unique atmosphere. You'll find long rocky ridges, great climbing routes and challenging traverses, as well as couloirs and gullies in winter.
I offer a variety of outings to suit all levels: beginners, advanced, major summer races and winter routes.
Summer mountaineering in the Belledonne
In summer, the massif's emblematic routes offer the chance to discover or improve your mountaineering skills:
- Arêtes du Pin and the east pillar of the Arêtes du Pin: ideal for beginners.
- Traversée Toit-Pyramide: short, even ridge, perfect for an alpine route that's not too long.
- Rocher Badon north-west ridge: a long, wild ridge on a high summit.
- Crossing of the Ferrouillet: varied and complete route. Routes on the south face of the Roc de Pellegrin (Right Spur, Left Spur, Le feu au cul): wild alpine climbing.
- Traverse of the Dents du Loup, preceded by the Éperon des Prolétaires: an easy introductory climb or a wonderful alpine day out.
- Crossing the Grand Pic de Belledonne and other routes and ridges leading to this nearby summit: an emblematic and committed route.
- Aiguilles de l’Argentière Traverse of the Grandes Aiguilles de l'Argentière (eastern, western or the full traverse for experienced mountaineers) and traverse of the Petites Aiguilles de l'Argentière, shorter but with a bit more climbing. Perfect for a shorter introduction, with two fine abseils.
- Chapoutot–Chevaillot route and traverse of the Pic du Frêne: a long, wild outing, to be done for the aesthetic appeal of the route and excellent for preparing for larger-scale itineraries.
- East ridge of the Puy Gris: complete climb, not very difficult, crampons and ice axes useful early in the season, also possible in winter conditions.
Winter mountaineering in the Belledonne
Provided the conditions are right, the massif offers a multitude of gullies, couloirs and icefalls.
- North face of Pic du Frêne: a wild, remote gully, an old classic on one of the massif's finest summits.
- Goulotte Grasse Matinée (Pic nord des Grandes Lanches) and traverse of the Lanches ridges: from the great alpine race to an initiation, with ski or snowshoe approach.
- Rocher Badon and Pointes du Mouchillon: many different couloirs and chutes.
- Casse Rousse: an area rich in chutes (goulotte du Chien, Bloc coincé...).
- The Oule, Gleyzin, Grande Valloire and Pissou icefalls: wild and varied.
- Cascades de glace du Boulon: the major site in the massif, not to be missed.
- The "Blanche" waterfall at La Petite Lance in Domène: an attractive, long-lasting waterfall.
- Arêtes de l'Aigleton and du Pin: perfect for a winter initiation.
- North ridge of the Grand Pic de Belledonne: a serious route in winter conditions.
- Arête Agnelin - Toit - Pyramide: a complete alpine winter traverse.
FAQ – Mountaineering in Belledonne
What is mountaineering in Belledonne?
Mountaineering in the Belledonne is a mixture of rocky ridges, long traverses, snow corridors and gullies. The massif offers a wild setting, ideal for discovering mountaineering or preparing for longer routes elsewhere in the Alps.
Why go with a guide in the Belledonne?
Working with a guide in the Belledonne means you can choose a route suited to your level of ability, stay safe and benefit from our in-depth knowledge of the massif. I can adapt the routes to suit you: beginners, advanced or long-distance, in all seasons.
What are the introductory mountaineering routes in the Belledonne range?
The Arêtes du Pin, the Roof–Pyramid traverse, the Petites Aiguilles de l’Argentière and the traverse of the Dents du Loup arêtes are ideal for starting mountaineering in Belledonne.
What are the key races in the Belledonne massif?
The complete traverse of the Aiguilles de l'Argentière, the traverse of the Grand Pic de Belledonne, and the Chapouttot ridge or route linked with the traverse of the Pic du Frêne are among the major itineraries. Their winter variants and derivations are all the more committing.
Can winter mountaineering be practised in the Belledonne range?
Yes, mountaineering in the Belledonne can also be enjoyed in winter: the Casse Rousse gullies, the Boulon icefalls, the north ridge of the Grand Pic... It's an ideal massif for discovering or improving your winter mountaineering skills.
Where can you go ice climbing in the Belledonne?
What level is required for mountaineering in Belledonne?
Where can you go ice climbing in the Belledonne?
When is the best time to go mountaineering in the Belledonne range?
How do I get to the Belledonne massif?
The range is situated between Grenoble and Chambéry. Approaches are generally on foot, sometimes with skis or snowshoes in winter. The northern part can also be accessed from the Maurienne valley. Apart from the Chamrousse and Les Sept Laux sides, it is a range without ski lifts, which gives it its wild character.
Who should I go with to discover mountaineering in Belledonne?
I lead mountaineering trips as a high-mountain guide. My role is to advise you on the route, ensure your safety and help you progress, whether you are a beginner or experienced.
