Le Râteau - 3769 m

A great little run, ideal for starting the season again, as the cable car takes you up to 3,211 m. An easy run to learn the techniques of snow, ice and mixed terrain.

From the Col des Ruillans, head southeast up the Girose glacier towards the Col de la Girose. Depending on snow conditions, the route over the col can be either east or west. Climb up a snow triangle to around 3,700 m, then follow the ridge over easy rock. Reach the summit by crossing two piton-equipped ledges (passage III). The descent is by the same route.

1st ascent Christophe Turc, summit W (3766m), father and son, July 17, 1906.
Topo - maps: 3436 ET Meije Pelvoux.
Sommet des Ecrins, Glénat edition.
Difficulty III, PD
Duration: 5 h from cable car

CULTURE
The Turc family of guides.

The Turc families are the oldest established in the Vénéon valley, with multiple branches. Their origins have yet to be determined, but have given rise to a number of legends. Christophe Turc is one of the leading figures in the Oisans region, and was the founder of a long line of country guides from Saint-Christophe-en-Oisans. The "Bourbon father" was a farmer, a breeder, a guide and then a hotelier, with the construction of the Hotel du Vallon aux Étages, a beautiful building that still welcomes mountaineers and mountain enthusiasts. He was first a porter for the famous Father Gaspard, then a guide with a string of first ascents to his credit, including the Râteau Ouest. His two sons Adrien and Christophe became guides and are now part of the Vénéon guiding legend. Another Turc guide lineage is that of Joseph Turc "le zouave" du Puy, guide and peddler, nephew of Gaspard. He made mountaineering history in the Oisans region, climbing the Meije more than 100 times. His son also became a guide: the lineage is still there.