In reply to k.shark:
> How reliable are the conditions in the ecrins ,trying to make my mind up between ecrins or back to rjukan . I have been to Ailefroide a couple of times rock climbing so know area.What is best time of year was considering mid february.
Supposed to be really good, but my experience with Ice in these areas, Alp de Huez, La Grave, etc is its hit or miss. With the west side, Briancon, Fressinere? and the niebouring valleys it all depends on the snow fall as its avalanche prone, your best bet is to contact Jerry Gore at alpbase.com before you leave and ask whats in, id go there for a week if your interseted in teaming up.
Pat