Guides’ Celebrations
Tradition and the Passing Down of an Iconic Craft
Every summer, the valleys of the Hautes-Alpes pay tribute to those who bring the mountains to life every day: mountain guides and leaders. These festivals bring together professionals, families, and mountain enthusiasts for traditional ceremonies: outdoor Mass, the blessing of ropes and ice axes, parades through the villages, and more. The festivities are often complemented by activities such as rock-climbing demonstrations, introductory sessions, craft markets, and concerts.
The Origins of the High-Alpine Tradition
This profession, which was initially practiced alongside farm work, became more established throughout the19th century with the rise of mountaineering tourism.
The history of the Hautes-Alpes mountain guides dates back to 1828. Two residents of Vallouise, Alexis Liotard and Jacques-Étienne Mathéoud, guided a French officer to the summit of Mont Pelvoux.
In 1909, the “Fraternelle des Guides et Porteurs de Pelvoux” was founded in Vallouise, a predecessor of today’s Écrins Guide Association. Based on mutual aid among mountain professionals, this associative model spread to other valleys in the Hautes-Alpes.
They then developed their own festival, while retaining a shared ritual: the blessing of ropes and ice axes, a symbol of protection before a new season.
The Most Iconic Guide Festivals in the Hautes-Alpes
The Écrins Guides and Tour Leaders Festival in Ailefroide
Organized since 1909 by the Écrins Mountain Guides Association, the festival is held every summer in the hamlet ofAilefroide, in the municipality of Vallouise-Pelvoux, in the heart of the Écrins National Park.
On the program: a Guides’ Mass, a blessing of ropes and ice axes in honor of missing mountaineers. A “mountaineers’ village” featuring booths from the PGHM and the French Alpine Club, rock-climbing demonstrations, followed by a méchoui and an outdoor music concert.
The La Grave Guides’ Festival
At the foot of La Meije, the village of La Grave pays tribute to its mountain guides every summer. The program includes: the laying of a wreath of flowers in front of the guides’ office, an outdoor mass, the blessing of ropes and ice axes by the guides in period costumes, followed by a country-style meal and a festive afternoon.
The “Faites de la montagne” event, usually held the night before, sets the tone with introductory workshops at an altitude of 3,200 meters at the Glaciers de la Meije cable car, led by local guides.
The Briançon Guides and Leaders Festival
Every year, the Briançon Mountain Guides Association, in collaboration with the mountain rescue services, organizes its own festival for mountain guides and tour leaders. It is traditionally held on a Sunday in early August.
The Vauban City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, invites the public to the Asfeld Bridge for free activities. Climbing, a zip line over the Durance Gorges, rappelling from the bridge, and a musical aperitif are on the program.
Loic Vivien-Raguet