Voie normale de la Grande Ruine
This is the standard and best-known ascent of La Grande Ruine in the Écrins. It is a high alpine glacier route with a long approach to the refuge and a sustained summit day. The route is generally straightforward in normal conditions but requires glacier travel skills and crevasse awareness. The upper section can involve snow and mixed terrain depending on conditions. Objective hazards include crevasses, rockfall, and rapidly changing weather. It is typically climbed with an overnight at Refuge Adèle Planchard.
Route Outline
Start from the Pré de Madame Carle / Villar-d'Arêne side approach.
Climb to the Refuge Adèle Planchard.
From the refuge, ascend the glacier and upper snow slopes toward the summit ridge.
Follow the final mixed ridge to the summit of La Grande Ruine.
Descend by the same route.
