UKC

Anyone got some route recommendations on winter ice routes? Grades IV/V/VI.
Any beta on approaches would be appreciated i.e are snow shoes or skis useful in certain areas.

In reply to Pocket Rocket: Take a look here http://www.ice-fall.com . This site is run by the guy who runs the Ice Climbing Ecrins festival, so he knows a bit about ice climbing in the region.

In reply to Pete of the Alps:
Thanks. I have already explored this site, unfortunately it has little, nearly nothing, in the way of route info. etc. I presume they do not want to undermine the topos/guides they are advertising.
Will post on their forum though as it likely to be more productive.

In reply to Pocket Rocket: You may find a bit more of what you are looking for here http://dba.ice-fall.com/accueil.asp then click on "les secteurs" for a list of routes and any info from ascents last winter...if you have already looked here then I guess you will need to invest in a guidebook. In terms of approaches most (may) require snow shoes at least or a very long wallow. In valleys such as Freissinières you can drive (normally) very close to the bottom of the routes, but I would still advise snow shoes (but then it depends on the season and how much snow we've had). Good luck on your further quest for info.