Barre des Écrins
Mountain Prominent French Alpine peak in Écrins massif
In the Écrins massif, Barre des Écrins rises above 4,000 metres and anchors glaciated routes; climbers tackle alpine ice and rock from local huts and high mountain passes.
Barre des Écrins is the highest peak of the Écrins massif in the southern French Alps, with a summit elevation of 4,102 metres. It is a prominent glaciated mountain within Écrins National Park in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.
The mountain is known for its glacier-covered ridges and steep faces; the Glacier Blanc on the northern slopes is one of the best-known features. Climbers visit for classic alpine routes that require glacier travel and alpine mountaineering skills.
The first recorded ascent took place in the 19th century and the mountain has since been a focus for alpine activity in the Dauphiné Alps. Over time the area has been managed as part of the regional national park system to protect its high-alpine environment.
Barre des Écrins lies in the Écrins National Park in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, in the southern French Alps, set among high peaks and glacial valleys east of Grenoble and west of the Mediterranean coastal ranges.
- Elevation: The summit reaches 4,102 metres, making it the highest peak of the Écrins massif and one of the higher summits in the French Alps.
What to See #
- Glacier Blanc: A permanent glacier on the mountain's north side that is a major feature for mountaineering routes and provides visible icefields from valley approaches.
- Summit (Barre des Écrins): The mountain's summit area, which reaches the highest elevation of the Écrins massif and is the main objective for alpine climbers in the range.
How to Get to Barre des Écrins #
Access from Grenoble or Gap, then via road to the Écrins valley villages (e.g., Bourg-d’Oisans). Mountain access requires alpine transport and often multi-day treks from established refuges.
Tips for Visiting Barre des Écrins #
- Only attempt high-alpine climbs with appropriate guides and equipment.
- Check glacier and snow conditions carefully; weather can change rapidly at altitude.
- The peak is technically demanding and better suited to experienced mountaineers.
Best Time to Visit Barre des Écrins #
Summer months are the primary climbing window; plan with mountain guides and current route information.
Weather & Climate near Barre des Écrins #
Barre des Écrins's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -14°C to 8°C. Abundant rainfall (1194 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is freezing with highs of -9°C and lows of -13°C. Significant rainfall (130 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of -9°C and lows of -14°C. Significant rainfall (111 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -8°C and lows of -13°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is freezing with highs of -7°C and lows of -11°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -7°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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June
June is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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July
July is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and breezy conditions.
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August
August is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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October
October is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (113 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -9°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (133 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -7°C and lows of -12°C. Significant rainfall (120 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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