1. From Villar-d'Arène to the Refuge de l'Aigle (mountaineering)

Classic access via the north slope, the Col du Bec, the Vire Amieux ledge and the high Tabuchet glacier : F+ "Facile +" (easy, upper band) (35° on snow and II on rock)

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This approach hike requires effort and commitment, with over 1700m of ascent and technical sections. But the view from the refuge is worth the detour!

We're heading for l'Aigle, a hut perched on a rock at an altitude of 3450m, a hut that lives up to its name. L'Aigle is one of the legendary huts in the Écrins, and also the highest in the range, welcoming climbers who have come here to test their mettle on the many nearby ascents, including the Meije Orientale.

Description

After Villar-d’Arêne, take the Pied du Col road and turn right before the hamlet to Le Pont Vieux ou des Brebis 1,662 m. Park in the car park before the bridge. Immediately after crossing the Romanche, head right onto a good, well-worn trail (waymarked red) which winds steeply uphill. From L'Âne point 2,375, the trail is less clearly visible but still waymarked and cairned. Via rocky slopes and the névés of the Bec glacier, you come to the approach to the Col du Bec 3,065 m. Climb the north arête of the Bec de l'Homme on the left (red arrows, no grade II climbing), to the base of the Vire Amieux ledge (3,200 m, cairn), allowing descent of its right flank onto the Tabuchet glacier via a long traverse equipped with a wire. Once set foot on the glacier (tricky depending on the conditions), ascend its right side (crevasses) until you reach the Rocher de l'Aigle and the refuge.

Towns crossed : Villar-d'Arêne and La Grave

Altimetric profile

Sensitive areas

Along your trek, you will go through sensitive areas related to the presence of a specific species or environment. In these areas, an appropriate behaviour allows to contribute to their preservation. For detailed information, specific forms are accessible for each area.