Here's our last weekly update for this year, which is coming to a close in style!
Snowshoeing
We are off! The recent snowfall means that we're enjoying some great winter walks, even at the bottom of the valley. The various trails are open and signposted.
There are signposted high-altitude itineraries off the lifts in Les Houches (La Charme and Prarion loops), La Flégère (La Raverettaz and Tête Aubuy loops) and Vallorcine (the Posettes loop).
Apart from these signposted itineraries, you can also consider going to the alpages at Chailloux, Charousse and Loriaz (the refuge is open and guarded - booking required).
The Vallée Blanche (Petit Envers and to the right of the Rognon) was skied after the heavy snow and wind at the start of the week. The arête is not equipped, and the snow cover is that of the start of the season, particularly at the salle a manger (it's only December!), a good sense of the route and how to read the terrain is needed. At the start of the season, the Vallée Blanche is a more alpine activity than later in the winter.
Lots of people in the Pelissier gully today which has cleared much of the snow.
A boulder came loose on the last pitch and apparently hit one of the two bolts on the belay below. Repeaters, we're happy to receive photos!
The Cosmiques and Marbrées (S-N) ridges have been done. Mixed and wintry conditions!
Ski touring in the Aiguilles Rouges. The classics, Crochues Bérard, Pointe Alphonse Favre, Brêche de Bérard, Col de Salenton, Belvédère and Beugeant have all been done. Watch out for sections of snow that have stayed cold and have been packed by the northerly wind, as well as recent purges on the sunny slopes.
You can ski back down the Bérard valley. Once again, it is December, watch out for roots, stones and other hikers arriving in the other direction!
Le Buet looks as though it has been blasted by the recent wind.
Argentière, there were plenty of people on the Col des Rachasses, the Col des Grands Montets, the Passon (a trip report can be found
here), the Col d'Argentière and the Col du Tour Noir. No info on the Col du Chardonnet and the Glacier du Milieu for the moment. The Argentière glacier descent is on the left bank.
It may be useful to have ski/boot crampons for all the sections which have been wind affected.
Ice climbing: some people on the left bank but no precise information. It looks like it's still a bit thin on the right bank, but the Grand Bleu wall seems possible.
In the Crèmerie sector, it sounds a bit hollow in places.
Loriaz (the refuge is open and guarded) , you'll need to be vigilant and a good skier. The forest track is narrow and tracked. A few trees are in the way and watch out for hikers coming up the track.
Higher up, at the Col de la Terrasse, there are a few cornices to watch out for.
The refuge is open and guarded!
The Bérard ice climbing crag is not yet open. Ice in the making!
Translated with kind permission from an original report by La Chamoniarde.
Readers are reminded that conditions in mountain environments are prone to (sometimes rapid) change and that they should use their own best judgement when visiting them.
