Key facts

Distance: 7.4 km
Ascent: +774 m
Descent: −1,125 m
Estimated time: 4 hr 30; hiking
Difficulty: Moderate; official rating
Route: Out and back; same way back

Profile and gradient

under 10%
10 to 20%
over 20%

Description

An unforgettable summit with an exceptional view over the Écrins massif. The demanding trail may seem a bit tough, but the reward is there, with a 360-degree panorama from the summit of La Blanche. Starting from the top of the Crête chairlift, take the trail that climbs towards La Blanche following the markers. - Before reaching 2600m in altitude, the trail forks to the right towards Lac de Puy Aillaud. Do not take this fork, and continue straight ahead towards La Blanche. Return: the return can be made via the Préron chairlift or via the piste that descends through the resort to the car park.

Difficulty

Official rating: moderate, by Parc national des Écrins.

Before you go

As the hike is mostly on a south-facing slope, it is best to set off early on hot days and make sure to bring plenty to drink.

Getting there

Start: Télésiège du Préron, Vallouise-Pelvoux (05).

Sources

Track: Parc national des Écrins, Licence Ouverte 2.0, Licence Ouverte 2.0 (Etalab) (destination.ecrins-parcnational.fr/trek/997140-La-Blanche). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
Official elevation gain: 774 m, Parc national des Écrins

La Blanche