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From Vallouise, take the D994E towards Ailefroide and then Pré de Madame Carle. Park in the car park near the refuge chalet. Parking fee: £2.
(S/E) From the Pré de Madame Carle refuge chalet, take the path to the north-west. This climbs gently through a forest of larch trees before reaching an area of moraines. After crossing the Torrent de la Momie and then the Glacier Noir, the path climbs up through the scree and joins a crossroads of trails.
(1) At the sign, leave the Glacier Noir on your left and take the Glacier Blanc on your right.
Carved into the mountainside, the trail climbs up a series of steps and, after passing a few ledges, descends to cross the Torrent du Glacier Blanc on a footbridge. A cable-assisted passage allows you to safely cross the rocky escarpments and leads to a flat area with a sign inviting you to visit the old Tuckett Refuge.
(2) At the sign, take the path on the right, which quickly leads to the refuge. After a contemplative break, return to the previous crossroads.
(2) Cross the rocky plateau to the north, pass the small Lac Tuckett and then reach the base of the promontory of the Refuge du Glacier Blanc. A new cable-assisted passage climbs up the side of the wall and easily reaches the refuge.
(3) Take the Refuge des Écrins trail north for about 100 metres.
(4) Turn 90° right towards the east. Follow the cairns. Cross a grassy area, then climb up the boulders and moraines on a small path marked by a few cairns.
(5) Reach a final flat area at the foot of the Jean Gauthier Glacier, which has completely melted.
Return in the same direction to your parking spot (S/E).
Visorando member
Moderate 
Easy 
