Dôme de Neige des Écrins (4015m) is a mountain in the Massif des Écrins in the French Alps, located by the Barre des Écrins (4102m).
The route starts at the "green island" right in front of the maison du Parc National at 1880m (Le Pré de Madame Carle).
It crosses the Torrent du Glacier Noir and the Torrent du Glacier Blanc twice to reach the Refuge du Glacier Blanc (2520m).
Slightly after the mid point of the ascent, the route starts to go over the Glacier Blanc (attention to be paid to crevasses), finding the Refuge des Écrins to the right (3130m).
A few more flat-ish kilometers on the glacier until you get to the summit push to the Dôme where menacing seracs and a rimaye may be seen.
Descent via the same route for the round trip variant.
Comments
As the submitter, I had to give this route a go. I attempted it on Sunday 13 Aug 2023.
I was on my usual unsupported style and progressing well. I got a bit lost on the descent from the (rocky) trail to the glacier, and had had my waterproof running boot teared by a rock kick, which disappointed me. Nevertheless the day was good and I was okay on the snow. I encountered several crevasses which were like a puzzle to go through, and at the final rimaye on Brèche Lory (ca. 4h), I wasn't able to go over it; I tried many places on snow a d rock, but apparently the only way was a very exposed mixed climb which I wouldn't do on my own and ropeless. Hence I decided to call it a day and return to the car park (7h15').
Here's the activity link on Strava: https://strava.app.link/yl9hGFMGjCb