A great day out on Sunday taking in the Petit Som and the Grand Som in the Chartreuse mountains between Chambery and Grenoble. We met up in St Pierre d’Entremont with views of the Roc Veyrand with its impressive rock face taken in by a via ferrata. The colours are currently superb and we gained height through the woods. Coming out on to the Col de la Ruchere into open pastures with the Petit Som above. A short scramble up a couloir led to the summit and a chance for a quick break. After the Col de Bovinant a path wound its way up through some rock barriers to the crest of the ridge. A good path took us to the summit of the Grand Som (2026m). From the summit a superb panorama gave views of Mont Blanc and Mont Aiguille in the south of the Vercors. Down below the monastery of the Grande Chartreuse and with it the monks who traditionally produce the liqueur of the same name.
Via Ferrata in the Aravis
A great day out yestereday near the Col des Aravis on the via ferrata ?Yves Pollet-Villard?. Graded ?D? the via ferrata does a rising traverse up the cliff with views out over the Col. Some nice situations and the classic view of the Nepal footbridge. For those who want a little physical challenge the direct finish over the roof is fun. It was a pleasant surprise to see, at less than 50m, a chamois with it?s young cabri on the descent after the climb. Since it was in the 30?s yet again today the afternoon was rounded off with a refreshing swim in Lac d?Annecy.
France returns to work
The village high in the Maurienne is almost deserted. Almost all the shops are shut with just the epicerie and the tourist office open. The “rentree” sees the French abandon the resorts to return to work and their children to school. It’s quite amazing and also sad to see. I never remember such a stark contrast in the Highlands of Scotland, my home for many years. Sent from my HTC
HAT “Henry’s Avalanche Talk” coming soon to Courchevel!
I’m really looking forward to being part of the HAT team this winter and bringing the HAT message “Ride Hard, Ride Safe” to the Courchevel area / 3 Valleys area. As a passionate alpiniste and mountain professional the winter environment is a time of year I look forward to and the chance to “get away from the madding crowd”, find solitude, share with both friends and clients the “real” mountain environment. I see being part of the HAT team another way to share this passion …
About HAT
“HAT has been helping off-piste skiers and riders to get more from the mountain for 20 years. You can discover how to demystify the ski professional?s expertise so you know how to manage risks. HAT is a team of ski professionals and free riders who are committed to helping you have more fun off piste. We can help you develop avalanche awareness and provide you with insight on skiing off piste and development of off-piste skiing skills. We offer Henry’s live Avalanche Talks, personal on snow training, practical beeper training COPE certification and easy to understand online training modules.” Visit the HAT website for a whole host of information and how you can get the answer to the question, “Is it safe out there?” … HAT website
Beautiful September Day in the Beaufortain, Savoie, France
A cloudless blue-sky day, today in the Beaufortain. We drove up to Treicol, after passing through the village of Beaufort, to head for the Lac du Presset. Passing over the dam at the Lac du Roselend there were stunning views over it’s turquoise waters with Mont Blanc towering in the background. A steady climb through the alpages passing herds of “Tarine” cows, with their wonderful eyes, and even better milk going to produce the famous Beaufort cheese. We headed up towards the col du Bresson, with the famous “Pierra Menta”, a rock megalith standing sentinel on the ridge to the right. From here a traverse lead us to the Refuge du Presset and behind the lake. A chance for a relaxing picnic after c. 800m of ascent. On the descent we went via the very foot of the Pierra Menta before dropping down to the Lac d’Amour. A great day, in perfect weather.
Driving in heavy snow
Encountered heavy snow shower driving to Albiez last night (1500m). This morning cold with a dusting of snow looking across at La Toussuire. Sent from my HTC
