Pic Coolidge (3,775m)
Pic Coolidge
Pic Coolidge - Thierry Maillet - PNE
Saint-Christophe-en-Oisans

Pic Coolidge (3,775m)

History and architecture
Lake and glacier
Panorama
Grade F+ (35° on snow and II/III on rock), long mixed climb (snow/rock) with some rocky stretches of moderate difficulty, no crevassed glacial terrain.
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Pic Coolidge is an essential peak in the massif. Easy and accessible from the valleys of Vénéon and Vallouise, in the heart of the central area of the Parc National des Écrins, it offers an unparalleled view of the Barre des Écrins and Ailefroide mountains.
This peak is one of very few itineraries suitable for a discovery of alpinism in all its dimensions: refuge or bivouac, snow, rock, route-finding. But above all it yields the secrets of the incredible architecture of these high places, invisible from the valley below.

Description

To get to the Temple-Écrins refuge, you have to walk along the Vénéon, up through the Carrelet wood and climb a few stone steps before the landscape gradually opens up. At the end of the path, the refuge comes into view. 

On the second day, we get to the heart of the matter with the ascent of Pic Coolidge. Leaving the refuge, you first reach the Col de la Temple-Épaule at 3,321m. You then have to climb 450m to reach the summit of Pic Coolidge at 3,775m.

Return to La Bérarde via the same route.
  • Towns crossed : Saint-Christophe-en-Oisans and Vallouise-Pelvoux

Altimetric profile


Recommandations

The round trip from La Bérarde with an overnight stay at the Temple Écrins hut is the easiest and least demanding, but also the most popular. It is recommended for those with a little experience. However, it is a long normal route, the speed of which is closely linked to the snow cover on the scree. In summer, the rocky parts of the route are well marked with crampons and cairns, which makes it easy to follow the correct route. At the end of the rocky section, be sure to mark the spot that will help you find the right route on the way down.

A very early start (at night) is recommended. To get the most out of this race, it is essential to be well trained and used to long walks.
Standard equipment for snow and mixed itineraries, not including glacial terrain: telescopic poles, crampons, ice axe, helmet, harness, 30m climbing rope, belaying and progress equipment, 30-litre bag, warm clothing, safety kit etc.
Is in the midst of the park
The national park is an unrestricted natural area but subjected to regulations which must be known by all visitors.


Information desks

Oisans Park house

Rue Gambetta, 38520 Le Bourg d'Oisans

http://www.ecrins-parcnational.fr/oisans@ecrins-parcnational.fr04 76 80 00 51


Video presentation of the natural resources of the Oisans mountain and its crafts. Information, documentation about the Park, projections, reading space for children. Accessible to people with reduced mobility. Free admission. All animations of the Park are free unless otherwise stated.

Find out more

, 38520 Saint-Christophe-en-Oisans - La Bérarde

http://www.berarde.com/infos@berarde.com04 76 80 50 01

Access and parking

From Le Clapier, which is accessible from Le Bourg d'Oisans or Briançon via the D1091 (4km south-east of Bourg d'Oisans), follow the D530 up the Vénéon valley for 26km to La Bérarde. At the entrance to the village, cross the bridge over the Étançons stream and go down a narrow road to park in the car park below the village.

Parking :

Bérarde car park

More information


Source

Parc national des Ecrinshttps://www.ecrins-parcnational.fr

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