After a few hectic weeks of work, Tanya and I were en-route to Chamonix in the French Alps for a 2 week break. We were to meet Rob out there and the plan was for some ski touring action.
The first few days were spent on great powder conditions on the Grand Montets and then Rob and I skinned up to the Col des Dards on the Aiguille Rouge and had excellent powder for the descent back to Lac Blanc.
The following day we drove around to Italy and skinned up to the Emanuele Hut (2732m) in the Grand Paradiso National Park.
We woke at 5.30am to fresh snow outside and clearing skies so after some coffee and bread we started the long skin uphill towards the Grand Paradiso (4026m). After over five hours of slogging uphill against altitude and freezing temperatures we arrived at the rock ridge, which led to the summit. We took skis off and made the last scramble to the summit on foot.
The fun them began with the ski down – in an hour we were back at the hut for a coke and some food, then another hour got us back to the car in the valley (1960m), very sweaty and stinky and looking forward to a shower and a beer.
Rest rest of the trip included another trip up the Aig Rouge for some touring and also some late season resort skiing and gentle touring.
Back in the office now and looking forward to some rock climbing action.
Bryn
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