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Park in the hairpin bend at an altitude of 2514 metres, before the Col du Galibier tunnel.
(S/E) A clear, well-marked path heads south-east. It follows the contours of the terrain, climbing and descending slightly, crossing a few streams. At point 2524, you can see the Couloir Termier and its impressive scree face.
The path descends a little, crosses a stream and climbs again under sharply cut ochre peaks. Enter the valley, slightly to the left of the couloir. The path disappears among the boulders, but cairns take over.
(1) The cairns go around huge boulders on the right. Before reaching them, aim above to continue climbing diagonally to the left above the scree.
(2) At this point, there are two options:
- either join the scree and the axis of the couloir. It is preferable to use the gullies of the storm torrents, which have a fairly stable base, otherwise the climb up the scree is difficult until you reach the narrowing of the couloir.
- Or traverse horizontally (easier) to reach a small cliff with a grassy ledge on the right (orographic) side of the couloir. It is very easy to climb and leads to a narrowing.
(3) At the narrowing, there are two more options:
- Either aim for a rock with a red arrow and faded yellow dots: these indicate the route up a series of grassy terraces and steep ledges on the left bank of the couloir. These points lead to a 2.50m wall which can be crossed (safely, no 2c above a "wide" terrace) and you come out at Col Termier.
- Either continue along the couloir as far as possible: a succession of fairly steep but easy slabs and small terraces. You will come across a piton with a red cord on the left as you climb. Towards the top, pull right to reach the wall above.
In any case, remain very vigilant about the holds you rely on: the environment is very unstable...
(4) A cairn marks the end of the couloir, and a path leads to point 2898, skirting the lake to the south.
(5) Join the normal route of the Grand Galibier: the path winds its way up the slope (easy slabs, sections of path) and is marked by blue arrows for the general direction and large blue dots.
(6) From the summit, the return journey follows the same route, with the descent of the small wall below the cairn presenting no difficulty. On the descent, it is easier to follow the yellow dots than to rejoin the couloir axis in order to reach the balcony and then the car park (S/E).
Visorando member
Moderate 
Difficult 
