Day 2 - Getting the basics on the L'Obiou / Piolit
View back down the ridge from the Piolit
Tackling the first ridge up to Piolit
Pretty much any high mountain in the Alps involves a bit of climbing or scrambling to get to the top and often in exposed and committing conditions! It is rare to find an easy path all the way up - otherwise everyone would be there!
Keeping safe is every mountaineer's priority and the purpose of today is to go through and practice the essential safety techniques used for mountaineering. You will learn how to move together on a rope, how to place protection, recognise hazards and look after yourself and fellow mountaineers whilst climbing.
Mountaineering is also strenuous involving long days with lots of ascent and descent so pacing and stamina are crucial.
We don't want to exhaust you on your first day but we'll be aiming for a challenging walk / scramble so you can acclimatise and feel the importance of good pacing!
There are a couple of choices of mountains we can use that lend themselves perfectly to our objectives for today and we'll decide nearer the time based on local conditions.
One possibility is the Obiou 2789m, which is the highest mountain of the Devoluy massif and is a spectacular and dramatic trekking peak.
At the start of the walk you get your first taste of the 'airy' ambiance of this mountain with a little exposed section.
After that there are two choices of itineraries, which the guide will explain to you on the day. Either you can follow the GR route which contours around to the right or you can go straight up through the rocks - this is better for practicing your mountaineering techniques. Finish off with a chimney climb to reach the summit!
Enjoy spectacular views over the Ecrins National Park, the Champsaur, Valgaudemar and Devoluy valleys and see if you can spot your next objectives for the week!
The other possibility is the Piolit 2464m via the west Aguille ridge. This is a beautiful mountain with a characteristic pointy top.
A stunning ridge walk with some climbing and scrambling. Perfect territory for practicing mountaineering skills with spectacular views over the Gapencais valley, the Ecrins and the Lac de Serre Poncon.
