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 at a Glance#
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About Barre des Écrins#
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -13° - -9° | -21° | 130 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 8.3 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.1h |
| February | Poor | -14° - -9° | -21° | 111 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 7.9 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.3h |
| March | Poor | -13° - -9° | -20° | 110 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 8.1 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Poor | -11° - -7° | -18° | 98 mm | overcast | 80% | 7.4 m/s | 1.1 high | 13.3h |
| May | Poor | -7° - -2° | -11° | 97 mm | overcast | 79% | 6.5 m/s | 1.5 very high | 14.6h |
| June | Poor | -3° - 3° | -6° | 72 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 6.3 m/s | 1.9 very high | 15.3h |
| July | Acceptable | 0° - 7° | -1° | 56 mm | some cloud | 72% | 6.4 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 15.0h |
| August | Acceptable | 2° - 8° | 1° | 69 mm | some cloud | 70% | 5.8 m/s | 1.7 very high | 13.8h |
| September | Poor | -1° - 4° | -4° | 85 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 6.3 m/s | 1.1 high | 12.4h |
| October | Poor | -5° - -1° | -9° | 113 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 6.6 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.8h |
| November | Poor | -9° - -5° | -15° | 133 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 8.0 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.5h |
| December | Poor | -12° - -7° | -19° | 120 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 8.3 m/s | 0.2 low | 8.7h |
