In the Hautes-Alpes, the Pays des Écrins launches its season from the May bank holidays 2026. Between the reopening of high-altitude access, the first refuges in operation and the return of whitewater sports, the area offers a gradual transition towards summer, in an environment still preserved in the heart of the Écrins National Park.
At this time, the mountain changes its appearance. The trails clear, the torrents swell with snowmelt, and the valleys regain their movement. Far from the summer crowds, the conditions offer ideal terrain for the first outings.
First forays into the high mountains
The gradual reopening of the road to Ailefroide marks a key moment. This hamlet, accessible after winter, once again becomes a gateway to the peaks and refuges. From May onwards, certain treks are once again possible, in a still calm atmosphere.
- READ MORE: 5 good reasons to explore this national park, one of the most beautiful in the world, this summer
Among the iconic routes, the itinerary leading to the Glacier Blanc remains a benchmark. From the Pré de Madame Carle, the ascent is made in stages, with the landscape evolving with altitude. The glacier appears gradually, massive and silent.
On-site, the refuge allows you to prolong the experience. Visitor numbers remain limited during this period, enhancing the feeling of isolation. In the evening, the light fades quickly and the site regains a sense of tranquility rarely observed during the peak season.
The Durance in motion, the return of white water
With the snowmelt, the rivers are regaining their flow. The Durance is becoming a central hub for water activities. Rafting and kayaking are gradually resuming, with routes adapted to different levels.
Certain sectors remain accessible to beginners, while others, such as the Gyr, offer more technical conditions. The water is colder there and the passages are more demanding. This diversity allows the activity to be extended to a varied audience, while maintaining a strong sporting dimension.
These descents offer another perspective on the territory. The landscape reveals itself from the river, at the pace of the current, with direct proximity to the reliefs.
Freissinières, a different approach to mountain biking
In the Freissinières valley, mountain biking embraces a more rugged approach. The routes start from the valley floor and gain altitude, crossing forests and hamlets.
The terrain varies regularly. Some sections remain easy to ride, others require more technical skill. The absence of heavy landscaping gives the site a more natural character, where the riding adapts to the terrain rather than the other way around.
This setup attracts practitioners looking for less frequented routes, with a more direct reading of the terrain.
Events to kick off the season
May is also organised around several events. On 9 and 10 May, the Trail de la Haute-Durance opens the sporting season with routes between valleys and high-altitude trails.
From 22 to 25 May, Briançon Family Kayak will bring together white-water enthusiasts in L'Argentière-la-Bessée. For four days, participants will navigate different routes, according to their level, in a self-managed atmosphere.
During the same period, an unprecedented artistic event offers a different approach to the region. Titled «Under the moon, the owl flies away», it combines hiking, climbing, and creative workshops, with a focus on landscape perception.
Between sporting activities, early openings and cultural programming, the Pays des Écrins is kicking off its summer season from May, in a still rather discreet format.