La Bérarde ****

The little alpine village of La Berarde lies between granite walls and the colossal Mejie and the Barre des Ecrins. Ailefroide is only a stone’s throw away on the other side of the Barre des Ecrins. It is a very long way around by car. The granite is perfectly featured and ideal for climbing. On the drive along the way, you can climb the “Pilier de Paravalanche” to partly satiate your hunger! The routes are really fun and the approach is even doable for the slow pokes. The “Paroi Rouge de Belliou” has steep routes. For routes with a little bit of everything, the “Tete de la Maye” fits the bill. Short 3rd class sections are mixed up with stout pitches up knobs, slabs, and cracks. A bit further back in the valley, you find the “Encoula” Sector with its long and consistent slab routes. It’s quiet up there, and the views of the mighty Ailefroid Northwest Face and the grandiose Meije are spectacular.