we take a rest and enjoy the alpine view before we start the descend
checking the layers in the ice
up close you feel the radiated cold from the ice
there is a trickle from above, but most meltwater flows from under the glacier
the view only gets better
we are on our way, the first stretch is easy
better watch your step here
the trail gets rougher
a first glimpse of the Glacier Blanc, that's where we are headed
and there is the snout of the Glacier Blanc
the parking space and the Torrent de Saint-Pierre are now way below us
hike to the Glacier Blanc in Parc des Ecrins
Most of the Massif is part of the
Parc des Ecrins, providing protection for the
unique alpine landscape and its flora and fauna.
Although there are some ski-stations, most visitors come in summer to take
in the fantastic and imposing scenery.
The park's 700 km of marked hiking trails give ample opportunity for both skilled
and unskilled walkers to explore and enjoy.
A very popular trail is to the snout of the
Glacier Blanc at about 2500 m altitude.
The
trail starts at 1870 m near the Pré de Madame Carle at the end of the D204T road from Ailefroide.
The hike can be a bit strenuous
at times but the views are simplyt breathtaking.
We hiked to the glacier snout on a sunny and warm day in July 1986. Since
then the Glacier Blanc has retreated by more than a km up-mountain..
the D 204T road ends in a large parking space, from here it is all up-hill
there is ample snow to practice your footing
the trail passes over a fast flowing stream
we cross another white water stream
and then we reach the glacier area
