News has reached us of the death of our Longstanding member George Rhodes, who died aged 90 on 29th March.
The funeral was held at St Lawrence’s Church, Congleton Road, Biddulph on 12th April.
Members can add tributes by logging in to Alpinet or send them to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
As Spring arrives the snow is disappearing in the valley up to 1500m on the S slopes and 1200m on the N slopes. There is still plenty of snow in the mid altitudes. The snow quality varies with the aspect. It is still possible to find some powder, (albeit rare,) in some N facing, wind protected pockets. On the other hand, the snow is likely to be very hard in the morning on those S facing slopes exposed to the wind. The snow softens quickly with the sun and the large, daily range of temperatures at all altitudes.
The conditions are like those reported on 21st March, with the following extra information:
Valley Blanche
Still in generally good condition, though some treacherous crevasses are beginning to appear. There snow is starting to disappear on the descent down to Chamonix meaning several ski carrying sections and a 30 minute walk at the end.
Torino Sector
Parties on the Aig Entrèves et Marbrées traverses: overall good conditions.
Aiguilles Rouges
The Bérard valley still OK, (need to carry the skis at the little wooden walkway near the Cascade.)
The Loriaz hut shuts on Sunday evening 31 March.
Mont-Blanc
Grands Mulets route: The Grands Mulets hut is open. Good snow cover to reach the hut. The north ridge of the Dôme is difficult (200 m of bare ice); needs to be pitched. Serac collapse risk at the level of the Petit Plateau. Also take care of the seracs on the true right bank of the Grandes Montées (between the Petit et Grand Plateau). The N face is not appealing due to dry conditions and the effects of the strong winds this winter. The route being used for the summit is there and back via the col du Dôme. Steel crampons are strongly recommended. (ice below the Vallot)
Goûter route: Some parties on this route, no further information.
3 Monts route: The route does not look to be in condition and is not being done; impressive bergschrunds on the Tacul and Maudit.
Argentière Sector
The Bochard lift is still closed, (hopefully it will open next weekend.)
Glacier du Milieu: Near the summit take care, the ice is just below a thin snow cover.
The rock routes behind the hut are dry.
Albert 1er Sector
The hut opens this week, (no warden on Wednesday or Thursday.)
Couvercle Sector
The hut opens this weekend.
Leschaux Sector
Couloir SW de l'Eboulement (26/03): Crossing the bergschrund went OK but the party turned back because the couloir was not in condition for skiing., (narrow, icy).
Conscrits Sector
An hour of carrying the skis at the start of the hut approach. The traverse of the Dômes de Miage is overall in good condition. There is a track on the ridge, but some short sections of ice require good crampons. The Armancette glacier is in condition, (the snow runs out just above the lake but then it is possible to ski again shortly afterwards, almost down to La Frasse).
The Bérangère, Pain de Sucre, Col des Glaciers are being done.
The Drus (23/24/03)
N Face – Lesueur route: OK dry tooling – not much snow – start by the Alain Leninger route then the classic. Descend by the North Couloir on abalakovs and in-situ abseil points on the route.
Thank you to all those who posted their information in the online Route Book.
MOUNTAIN CONDITIONS 21/03/2019
The weather has improved this week allowing for an increase in activity in the mountains, especially ski touring. In general, the snow cover is good up to 3500m, (with powder on the north facing slopes,). Above this, conditions remain dry for both the mixed climbs and the high mountain routes e.g. Mont Blanc.
All the classic ski routes are tracked and in good condition.
Tour/Trient Sector
The climb up to the Col des Autannes and the descent to Trient is OK.
Col du Passon is tracked, with good conditions for the descent to Le Tour. The Albert 1er hut opens this weekend.
Argentière Sector
The N faces remain very dry. Due to the progressive melting of the Verte summit ice cap, the Couturier couloir is now threatened by a serac. Also, there is a crevasse that is very difficult to cross. It has not been tracked and is not really to be recommended. If attempted, then the “classic” exit straight up would appear to be the best option.
There has been no activity on the Droites or both the N face and NE of the Courtes. For the latter, the latest information is that the bergschrund is awkward but does go on the left, and the snow is rock hard on the upper part.
The Col des Cristaux was skied in good snow, (the top 60m being dry, need to abseil or down climb.)
A track on the SW couloir of the Amône, no further information.
The Cols d'Argentière and Tour Noir are in good condition. Take ski crampons as the snow is icy in some sections.
Aiguille d'Argentière: The “Y” couloir is in good condition, (bergschrund OK, lower band icy, snow all the way up the rest of the gully.) Good conditions also for the normal route by the Glacier du Milieu, (good skiers are setting off from the summit.)
The Col du Chardonnet is tracked on the true right bank. There are 80m of abseils on the Saleina side, (a 50m rope suffices.)
Mer de Glace / Aiguille du Midi Sector
It is no longer feasible to exit in safety onto the Mer de Glace from the Pas de Chèvre.
There has been no more information about the Whymper couloir since the good weather period last February but it looks to be feasible. The S facing classics in this area also look feasible.
Brèche Puiseux (50 m abseil), Couloir du Capucin (60 m abseil), Tacul Shoulder (30 m abseil) and Col du Tacul (there and back), are all been done regularly and are in very good condition.
Valley Blanche is generally in good condition. There is a short passage of ice to reach the start of the climb back up to the Mottets which needs care and a good skiing ability. It is still possible to ski down to Chamonix with two short walking sections and then a final 15min walk. Care is needed to control one’s speed.
The Glacier Rond (2x 15m abseils from the summit), Couloir des Cosmiques (60 m abseil then icy snow for 200m) are being done. It is possible to ski to the tunnel, either by the Para slope or the Combe des Glaciers.
The Laurence and Cosmiques ridges are tracked. The traverse of the Pointes Lachenal not recommended; bare ice.
Some ropes have been on the Vent du Dragon and the Chéré Gully. Some of the other gullies appear to be feasible but are still very dry (e.g. Modica-Noury, Gabarrou-Albinoni.) This makes these routes harder than their given grades; take short screws and rock protection.
The Mallory on the N face of the Midi has been re-tracked, (still bare ice at the top)
The N ridge of the Dôme du Goûter is not in condition and is not thought to have been done this year. There is a lot of ice and has a problematical bergschrund. The descent by the Plateaux appears to be in good condition, (done in February.)
The Trappier couloir is being skied regularly.
Helbronner Sector
The main ski descents on the Italian side are in good condition, (Marbrées, Toule Glacier, Col d'Entrêves, Brenva). There is some walking in order to reach the base of the valley.
Conscrits Sector
The Tre la Tete hotel and the Conscits hut both opened on Wednesday. The skis can be used after the Rocher des Plans, (30 to 45mins of walking first.) The Mauvais Pas has a section of icy snow and there is also a risk of falling ice blocks. It is recommended to pass it between 10am and noon. The glacier has a good track. Some parties left today, (Thurdsay) for Mont Tondu and the Dômes de Miage, (hoping to descend the Armancette glacier).
The gorge leading to the to the Combe Blanche looks to be OK in descent.
Aiguilles Rouges
All the Aiguilles Rouges classics are in condition. There is some walking above La Flatière for the Aiguillette des Houches. The Bérard valley is in good condition, (icy snow lower down on the path by the true right bank of the river). It is possible to reach the Loriaz chalets from Couteray, either by ski or snow shoe. The Col de la Terrasse is tracked. The exit from the Très les Eaux valley is complicated, as a build up of snow prevents bypassing the stream bed at one point, meaning wet feet, (abseil). Not much snow near Granges and what there is risks being heavy.
Snow Shoeing and walking paths
The valley paths are possible with good footwear and hiking poles. Snow shoes are only useful once one has gained some height. Examples are: using the Prarion lift for the loop there and the Vallorcine lift for the Aiguillette des Posettes.
Ice Climbing
It is still just possible to find some climbing on the true left bank of the Argentiere glacier or the Patri sector at Cogne.
No information for the beginner ice climbing areas.
A quick update following the return of the sun this weekend.
The recent weather fronts brought with them not only snow but also strong winds. This makes it very difficult to estimate the amount of new snow, (on average 50 to 80 cms above 1800/2000m). A small amount of snow fell at the valley level which has temporally improved conditions there. At mid and higher altitudes, the snow depth has been significantly increased but is not stable. The avalanche risk, both natural and provoked, has been high since Friday with numerous and large windslabs breaking away. Today, Saturday, the rapid rise in temperatures has resulted in the snow sliding off the sun affected slopes. Caution is needed over the coming days. BERA has put out a warning for this Sunday: “the snow pack remains treacherous at altitude”.
It is also difficult to assess the snow quality. Chamoniarde has not received many reports. The snow has been compacted and affected by the wind and the variations in temperatures together with the sun this Saturday. The snow conditions are very variable. They are generally good on the northern slopes above 2000m but crusty below this. They are less good on slopes affected by the sun, as the snow has not yet transformed and therefore crusty and with slide/avalanche debris in places.
The Trapette ski tour track at Argentiere was reported to be good condition on Saturday.
For snow shoers, even though there was some fresh snow down to the valley floor, a better option is at altitude on the signposted tracks prepared by the Pistes and Paths service and the Company du Mont-Blanc. (https://www.ccpmb.fr/eau-air-nature-environnement/les-sentiers-de-randonnees/itineraires-raquette-a-neige/) (http://www.skiplan.com/bulletin/bulletin.php?station=chamonix®ion=alpes&pays=france&lang=en)
Following the recent weather, the conditions have completely changed. Activity in the mountains is slowly picking up as of this weekend. The forecast is for more clement for next week.
Enjoy your outings, take care and let Chamoniarde know about them, (online at OBS-ALP , or the cahier de course, or by telephone, or a message on the Chamoniarde Facebook page.) Thanks in advance.
Tatra Mountains - Poland
Following the success of the meet to the Polish Tatra Mountains, situated on the border with Slovakia, last year a second follow up visit was arranged. Ten members attended.
Interview by Glyn Hughes
Mike, could you start by telling us about your earliest climbing experiences.
When I turned up in Cambridge in 1962 I had done very little real climbing, but I was very keen to do more, and I had already discovered that I seemed to have some talent for it. I went on a meet to the Derbyshire gritstone as soon as I could, and, wearing my mountain boots (I had not heard of PAs at the time), I got up a few climbs. Shortly after that I fell about 25ft off a VS because the rubber on the toe of my boot was worn away, and I tore my ankle. The more experienced members of the CUMC (Nick Estcourt, Rupert Roschnik, etc) were not amused by this novice showing off. However I managed to show them that I was actually able to climb, and that I could be competitive with them. That winter I joined the Club’s Ben Nevis meet and got my first taste of ice climbing, which I also enjoyed. I think the reason that I was competitive with the best of them was that I was quite strong, and was able to keep my nerve on rock climbs. I reasoned that if other people had done it before me, even if I could not see how to do the next bit, it was obviously possible and there must be holds there, and so I should be able to do it too. I did not frighten easily, and my (flawed) reasoning worked, so I went up the grades quite quickly, and become one of the better climbers in the CUMC.
After a long period of good weather, two days of bad weather, (1st and 4th of March,) have resulted in some 40cms of new snow at 2000m. Strong winds, (gale force at altitude,) have caused severe drifting, stripping away the snow in some areas and probably creating windslab conditions in others. The amount of snow will vary depending on aspect and altitude.
There is not sufficient snow for snow shoeing below 1100m, north facing, 1400m south facing. The signposted paths in the valley floor are, however, good for walking with the correct footwear and sticks.
Better weather this morning (5th) has seen the return of mountaineering in the range.
Charles Inglis Clark Hut, Ben Nevis
Heading up to the Tower Face Comb
The first meet of the ACG, following its revival at the end of 2018, was based at the CIC hut, under the north face of Ben Nevis, built in memory of Charles Inglis Clark who died of wounds in Mesopotamia in 1918 during the First World War. As well as being a member of the Scottish Mountaineering Club, he was a member of the Alpine Club and one of those commemorated in the 2018 Alpine Journal in the article to commemorate the sacrifice of another era's young Alpine Club members who died in the First World War.
We are saddened to receive news of the death of our member, Bruno Messerli, who passed away during the night of February 4th 2019.
The funeral took place in Bern on the 15th of February.
Members are invited to send their tributes to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. so that they can be posted on the website.
MOUNTAIN CONDITIONS 18/02/2019
Some more information following the weekend:
The re-freezing is in places limited, areas in the sun are becoming very warm during the day. Avoid being caught out later in the day when there is a significant risk of (wet snow) avalanches. Though the weather is more like April, it is still only February and too early for many of the high-altitude routes, most of which are still dry.
Tour/Trient Sector: The Three Cols route is tracked; the descent either to Trient or Le Tour is in good condition, (as is the Col du Passon.)
Argentière Sector: Col des Cristaux has been skied with good snow, (starting 40m below the col as above is dry). The Couturier is tracked in ascent, conditions look to be OK. Courtes and Droites are still dry (NE also). The bergschrund for the “Y” on the Aiguille d'Argentière looks problematical, but no further information. The Cols du Chardonnet, du Tour Noir and d'Argentière are tracked, (sometimes Spring snow, sometimes powder, depending on the aspect.) The return by the true left bank of the glacier to Lognan is good.
Talèfre Sector: Very average conditions for the “Y” on the Aiguille Verte, (lower band in bad condition, more information in the cahier de course). On the other hand, the Whymper is in good condition, (the bergschrund goes on the left ascending, couloir completely on snow, softish, allowing step kicking.) The central couloir gives the best exit, (right couloir has ice, Pierre à Béranger couloir has avalanche snowballs.)
Géant / Helbronner Sector: Aiguille du Midi Ridge: Crampons essential, rope recommended. Note, one needs to descend a little further than usual, to the second flat area, as the first step is bare ice.
Good conditions for the Valley Blanche, the descent from les Mottets is beginning to suffer but still OK. Brèche Puiseux is very popular, (50 m abseil), likewise the Capucin couloir (60 m abseil) and the Aiguillette du Tacul. Spring conditions on the Italian side (Marbrées, Toule: hand rail to get to the stairs, Col d'Entrèves, Brenva.) Need to be there at the right time of day to get the best ski conditions.
The Mallory on the Aiguille du Midi is tracked in ascent. The rock fall at the end of last summer is causing some problems on the Cosmiques Ridge, (there is an unstable section if it is not frozen, 2 abseils, 50m rope suffices.)
Grands-Mulets: N Ridge is not in condition. Some parties have skinned up by the Plateaux, (fragile snow bridges on the slope beneath the Small Plateau,) and then the ridge to the Vallot hut, (rock hard snow on the Bosses ridge, good snow on the descent.)
Tête Rousse Sector: Trappier Couloir in good condition, with the ascent via the Rognes. Désert de Pierre Ronde is tracked. A roped party has ascended Mont Blanc from Bellevue, without snow shoes, must have been a struggle!
Aiguilles Rouges : ski touring just about everywhere, (descent to Valloricine, Buet and Plaine Joux OK.) Be aware of the avalanche risk on slopes exposed to the sun and the possibility of cornices collapsing.
Ice Climbing: Still a lot to go at, if not exposed to the sun, (Notre Dame de la Gorge, Left bank of the Argentière glacier, Pétoudes.) It is probably over for the Argentière Right bank. The Barre des Charcotains is finished. Still plenty to do at Cogne.
Mountain Conditions 15/02/2019
Here is the update for this week of beautiful weather.
The amount of snow (about 30 to 40 cm above 2000m). deposited during the bad weather last weekend is difficult to estimate because of the accompanying strong winds. Spring weather has arrived for the first week of the half term holidays. The freezing level is climbing very high during the day, (above 3000m.) As you may guess, this heat can cause wet snow slides/avalanches, especially on the sunny slopes. The snow quality is variable, frozen and often affected by the wind on the north facing slopes, frequently crusty where exposed to the sun. (Further transformation is needed before it becomes ideal for skiing.)
Ski touring remains the most popular activity for this winter. Conditions are generally good, though it is important not to be too late in the day. There is snow right down to the valley floor and the mid-mountain classics are popular. For example: at Contamines (Monts Jovets, Cols de Fenêtre/Cicle/Chasseurs), at Plaine Joux (Moëde Anterne, Pointe Noire de Pormenaz), in the Aiguilles Rouges (all the routes), at Vallorcine (Buet, Loriaz, Col de la Terrasse), and in the neighbouring Switzerland (Bel Oiseau, Carraye, Pointe Ronde).
This good weather has also meant the start of the ski mountaineering season. The “Z” track from the Aiguille du Midi is open but very icy, (crampons essential). The Valley Blanche is basically in good condition and it is possible to ski down to Chamonix. The way up to the Brèche Puiseux is tracked, as is the descent to the Mont Mallet glacier (icy snow in the exit couloir). On the Italian side, all the classics are tracked (Marbrés,Toule, Col d'Entrèves, Brenva) but respect the time of day. There is skiing has also in the Argentiere sector, (the hut opens today, Friday), e.g. Col des Grands Montets, traverse of the Col du Passon, Three Cols, Col du Tour Noir and Argentière are all tracked. However, the is no information concerning the north faces, which look to be very dry. There has been activity in the Trient sector, (e.g. Glacier des Grands), the return is good.
Conditions for ice climbing are changing rapidly with this warm weather. It is recommended to avoid areas that catch the sun, (e.g. right bank of Argentière)). Even in shaded areas be very careful to check the conditions.
Still little or no information about winter mountaineering and the mixed routes. The Cosmiques Ridge is being done regularly.
Andy Nisbet, Lurchers Crag 2019 (Photo Sandy Allan)
It has been a week since the loss of two leading Scottish mountaineers in the same accident on Ben Hope on the 5th February 2019 that left the winter climbing community stunned. It appears likely that Steve Perry and Andy Nisbet fell from the upper section of a new route on the West Face of Ben Hope, while completing a new route together.
Mountain Conditions 08/02/2019
An update for this weekend and the start of the school holidays. The conditions are becoming favourable for winter sports. Unsettled weather this weekend but sunshine is forecast for next week.
For skiers, (piste, hors-piste and touring), the snow is overall good. However, there remains an important risk of avalanche which will become difficult to spot with the snowfall and wind foreseen for this weekend. Many professionals have observed avalanche activity in areas not usually affected, take care!
During this holiday period there will be a lot more skiers on the pistes, adapt your speed accordingly!
For ski-tourers, conditions are mainly good, though some rocks are exposed here and there. There is a cornice threatening the true right bank of the ENSA couloir, (notably if there is a wind or a warm period.)
The Valley Blanche is generally in good condition. The ridge is equipped with rope handrails and stakes but the « Z » is not tracked yet. There are quite a few rocks on the Mer de Glace between the ice caves and the climb back up to Mottets. From Mottets the descent down to Chamonix is OK.
The classic ski tours remain popular, (Contamines valley, Aiguilles Rouges, Bel Oiseau / Col de la Forclaz sector etc.) Good conditions also higher up on the glaciers, (Brèche Puiseux, Argentière sector, Col du Passon etc.)
Generally good conditions also for ice climbing.
However, for the mixed routes, as has been the case for the last two years, conditions are very dry with little or no activity.
Enjoy the mountains safely and the Chamoniarde team look forward to hearing about your experiences on: https://www.chamoniarde.com/montagne/cahier-de-courses
The high pressure since the last update has resulted in stable but very cold weather. The region was not affected by the bad weather elsewhere on Wednesday. There has been a cold wind since Thursday, causing windslab in places and probably large snow drifts at altitude.
Ski touring and ice climbing remain the main activities for the moment. The winter mountaineering season has not really started yet, the routes are still very dry.
Ski touring: touring possibilities throughout the Mont Blanc range, (Aiguilles Rouges – Argentière sector - Requin sector – Col de la Forclaz – Loriaz sector …..) Possible to start skiing from 1000m, (cover initially poor, but good above 1500m.) Take ski crampons because certain passages have been stripped down to hard ice/snow by the wind (ridges, cols.)
Ice climbing: Lots of activity last week in the following sectors: Trient (Pétoudes and Barre des Charcotins), Argentière (left and right banks) and Crèmerie. A rope was seen on the Sainte Marie Viaduc icefall. The lines looked to be formed at the Col des Montets (Barre du Chenavier) but no more information. The Loriaz icefall looks to be well formed. In the Aosta valley, conditions remain unchanged from the last update, (19th Jan).
Valley Blanche: the ridge is now partially equipped, with a rope on the crest, (very hard snow.) The “Z” track is not yet in place. The current conditions require a good level of ski ability. The run down to Chamonix (via the Mottets,) remains OK.
With regards to the re-opening of the Plan Praz lift. this should open on Sunday 27th January. However, check the CMB site for the latest information as it might open already during the day on the Saturday. It always remains possible to reach the Brevent ski area from the Flégère cable car.
Winter Hiking: the valley floor paths are icy, foresee using walking crampons. The signposted snow shoe trails at mid-altitude, (prepared by the Mont Blanc Company) are proving popular as they have plenty of snow. Those in the valley floor, (prepared by council, Communauté de communes,) have enough, albeit compacted, snow.
MOUNTAIN CONDITIONS 19/01/2019
The bad weather the previous weekend, together with that on Thursday, has greatly improved the skiing conditions. The amount of snow fallen varies from one sector to another, for example there is less snow at Vallorcine.
The ski domains are in near perfect condition; blue skies, well prepared pistes and not too many people. However, still take care, particularly in controlling one’s speed. Also check the bulletin on the Compagnie du Mont Blanc site to see what is open!!
Good conditions for ski touring, though the snow quality can be unreliable, (wind slab in places,) and there are still snow some icy patches away from the snow bowls. (This can also mean a hard base with rocks just below the surface in some areas.) It is now possible to put on the skis directly from the valley start.
All the Aiguilles Rouges classics, (Col de la Terrasse, Mont Buet, Col de Beugeant, Col des Dards & du Belvédère, Crochues-Bérard, Brèche de Bérard, Col de la Floria, Col de la Glière, Aiguillette des Houches) and in the Argentière sector, (Col du Passon, Col du Chardonnet there and back, Col du Tour Noir) are tracked.
Concerning the Aiguille du Midi, the ridge is still not equipped (only some stakes in place). It is still early season, crevasse danger. There are some exposed rocks on the Mer de Glace but the following ski back down to Chamonix is good. The Mottets Buvette is open for the season, as is the Requin hut.
Ice climbing is possible in the usual sectors: Trient (Pétoudes), Argentière (left and right banks, Crémerie) and Les Contamines. In the Aosta valley, the icefalls below 1800m are not well formed. However, the lack of snow means those higher up are more easily accessible than usual.
No information concerning the mixed routes; still not in condition!!!
Lastly, conditions for snow shoeing, ski du fond and winter hiking are good.
MOUNTAIN CONDITIONS 19/01/2019
The bad weather the previous weekend, together with that on Thursday, has greatly improved the skiing conditions. The amount of snow fallen varies from one sector to another, for example there is less snow at Vallorcine.
The ski domains are in near perfect condition; blue skies, well prepared pistes and not too many people. However, still take care, particularly in controlling one’s speed. Also check the bulletin on the Compagnie du Mont Blanc site to see what is open!!
Good conditions for ski touring, though the snow quality can be unreliable, (wind slab in places,) and there are still snow some icy patches away from the snow bowls. (This can also mean a hard base with rocks just below the surface in some areas.) It is now possible to put on the skis directly from the valley start.
All the Aiguilles Rouges classics, (Col de la Terrasse, Mont Buet, Col de Beugeant, Col des Dards & du Belvédère, Crochues-Bérard, Brèche de Bérard, Col de la Floria, Col de la Glière, Aiguillette des Houches) and in the Argentière sector, (Col du Passon, Col du Chardonnet there and back, Col du Tour Noir) are tracked.
Concerning the Aiguille du Midi, the ridge is still not equipped (only some stakes in place). It is still early season, crevasse danger. There are some exposed rocks on the Mer de Glace but the following ski back down to Chamonix is good. The Mottets Buvette is open for the season, as is the Requin hut.
Ice climbing is possible in the usual sectors: Trient (Pétoudes), Argentière (left and right banks, Crémerie) and Les Contamines. In the Aosta valley, the icefalls below 1800m are not well formed. However, the lack of snow means those higher up are more easily accessible than usual.
No information concerning the mixed routes; still not in condition!!!
Lastly, conditions for snow shoeing, ski du fond and winter hiking are good.
It is with sadness that we report the news of the death of our member, Christopher Simpson.
Members would be welcome to send their tributes to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. so that they can be posted on the website.
MOUNTAIN CONDITIONS 10/01/2019
Though large amounts of snow have fallen in Eastern Europe, we are still waiting for conditions to significantly change in the Western alps.
The last snowfall gave 20cms of light snow at 2000m, improving conditions both on and off piste, (take care the underlying base is hard.)
Ski touring is popular, despite the variable snow depths. Ski crampons remain essential. Still some walking for Loriaz and Bel Oiseau. In the Contamines Montjoie valley, the roman road is bare ice, (crampons.).
The wind over the last few days has caused drifting, especially in the high mountain. Do not forget to check the weather forecast and avalanche risk before each outing.
More snow is forecast for this weekend.
In the high mountain conditions the faces and gullies remain extremely dry. Patience needed!
Ice Climbing: The right and left banks of the Argentiere glacier are OK but the Cremerie and Berard still do not have much ice.
With the lack of snow, the signposted snow shoe tracks are accessible for walkers. Lightweight crampons could be useful, even essential in some places, together with good boots and hiking poles. This should allow one to walk up to 1500m without too much problem.
Be warned that despite the lack of snow the paths at higher altitude, such as the Grand Balcons or to the Lakes, are not feasible for hikers or snow shoers.
MOUNTAIN CONDITIONS 04/012019
The period of high pressure continues, meaning the conditions have not improved since the last update.
The snow remains very hard (concrete), both on the piste and beyond.
Ski touring continues in the same sectors : Bel Oiseau and Loriaz (some walking), Mont Buet/ Col de Bérard (thin snow cover and patchy lower in the valley), Aiguillette des Posettes via Ardoisières, from the Index/Flégère (Crochues-Bérard, Col des Dards, Col du Bélvédère, Col de Beugeant), Lacs Noirs et Aiguille de la Glière from Cornu, Aiguillette des Houches from the Brévent, Argentière sector (via Grands-Montets,) Col du Passon there and back, Col du Chardonnet, Col du Tour Noir, Col d'Argentière).
Though the above routes are not very technical, even the easiest amongst them are not currently suitable for beginners because of the difficult snow conditions, (risk of falling both in ascent and descent). Good technique, sharp edges and ski crampons are essential.
Of the signposted ski touring routes, only the one at La Tour is in reasonable condition (and even this requires ski crampons.)
Conditions for snow shoeing are not favourable, (poor snow cover, hard snow.) Nonetheless, it is possible to go up to the Loriaz chalets or do a loop at the Prarion summit. Most of the paths signposted by the Compagnie du Mont Blanc are open: Aiguillette des Posettes from the Vallorcine ski bubbles and the Autannes loop (Balme domain,) Index loop and the Raverettaz (Flégère domain.).
Hiking is possible in the valley up to about 1500m, (Petit Balcon sud, the Floria, cabane du Cerro. The paths have hard snow or ice, (good boots, hiking poles and small crampons necessary.) It is possible to venture as far as Chapeau buvette, the Loriaz chalets, (both open), or the Chailloux chalets.
Conditions for ice climbing have improved these last few days thanks to the cold spell. No precise details, but there are possibilities at Trient, (Odeyi, les Pétoudes), Argentière (Crèmerie, Left and right banks): Risk of overcrowding. The Loriaz and Picheu icefalls look to be formed.
In the high mountain, activity is limited to the Marbrées traverse and Cosmiques Ridge, (possible to avoid last summer’s rock fall area by going directly up the gully to the right of the Cosmiques Spur,) There are some other possibilities e.g. Chéré, Burnier Vogler, Pélissier, though these are very dry.
There is more precise information in the Chamoniarde Route Book.
News has reached us of the death of Club Member John Temple.
Members are invited to send their tributes to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. so that they can be posted on the website.
