Day 10 - North Face of the "Petite Aiguille Verte"

We awoke to another day of bad weather in the valley. Meeting Victor at the usual time we sat and had a coffee and he talked over the days plan. He suggested an easy route just of the "Grands Montets" cable car called the "Petite Aiguille Verte".

We headed up the cable car and the rain turned to snow which was good news. It was about minus 5 and there was a strong wind. With all the gear on we headed out onto the "Col des Grands Montets", headed up two easy snow slopes to the foot of the face. We then had to climb a snow slope for around 100m at 50/55 degrees. With around 1 to 2 feet of fresh snow this made the ascent interesting. There was then a little mixed climbing which brought us to the summit. I would like to say the views where amazing from the top but we could not see more than 50m.

The camera did not come out much as the wind and snow was coming down so badly, so not to many shots.

This was a comfortable 3/4 hour route and a nice way to finish the training course. We headed back to the valley for lunch and chilled out watching the "Tour de France".

Victor and Neil getting ready

Victor making his way up the 50 degree snow slope

Me at one of the belay points

Neil and I on route

Neil and I at the Summit - 3512m

Victor at the Summit

Me at the Summit of "Petite Aiguille Verte"

Neil on descent

Victor on the decent of snow slope