After a long spell of unsettled weather today was forecast to be perfect, and everyone in the Valley was busily trying to come up with a good objective to make the most of all the fresh snow. With no real idea of what conditions were like up high, Will and I eventually settled on the Col du Passon in the hope that it would provide good but safe skiing. As it turned out there were a few other great minds thinking the same thing so we ended up having a sociable time and getting some really good skiing in.
As soon as we got to the top of Grand Montets it was obvious that there was a huge amount of fresh snow, and just about every ski line looked good. The ski down to the glacier was excellent, and the skin track up to the Passon was firmly established so the ascent went without a hitch and with some amazing views up into the Argentiere Glacier.
Will on his way down to the Argentiere Glacier on his new skis, complete with “50% off” sticker. The Col du Passon is marked with a red dot.
Another team near the top of the skin.
Will just before the bootpack, with the N face of the Droites behind.
Once on the Col we teamed up with Phil, Nora and Sandy and got a combination of powder, crust, slush and spring snow all the way back to Le Tour. Overall, not a classic descent, but really fun skiing and it was great to be out under blue skies after a gloomy few weeks.
Nora, Phil, Sandy & Will at the start of the ski.
Heading off onto the Glacier du Tour.
And finally, some ski shots of Phil & Will –
When the weather finally does pick up we are in for an epic late touring season. There was much talk today that after all the fresh snow, we are actually only half way through the season! Fine by me.