A classic and well-known alpine route on La Meije Pic Central, following the prominent south ridge from the Refuge du Promontoire. The route is a serious high-mountain climb with sustained scrambling and climbing on rock, snow, and mixed terrain. Exposure is significant, and route-finding can be complex in poor visibility. Conditions on the ridge vary greatly with snow and ice, which can raise the difficulty substantially. It is generally considered a long, committing ascent rather than a short rock climb. The route is documented in standard Écrins and La Meije guidebooks and is one of the established ways onto the summit area of Pic Central.
Route Outline
La Bérarde or La Grave area -> Refuge du Promontoire
Refuge du Promontoire -> base of the south ridge / arête
Climb the ridge and mixed rock sections to Pic Central
Continue over the summit crest to the top of La Meije Pic Central
Descend by the same route or via the normal Meije descent depending on conditions
