With the chance to get out for a morning, I was looking for something steep-ish, with quick access and (hopefully) decent snow. The E Face of the Aiguille Pourrie, accessed from the Cornu chairlift at Brevent, fit the bill so I teamed up with British guide Robin Beadle for a quick hit.
The access from the Brevent lift system couldn't be easier but conditions for skinning aren't great so we bootpacked (instead of skinning) to the Col de la Gliere and onto the summit of the Pourrie. We had originally planned to go to the Col and just see what looked good but once we saw an American guide and his client skiing the Pourrie in good spring snow, our minds were made up.
American guide and client (high on the slope on the right) kindly checking whether the snow was any good. Photo Robin Beadle.
The skiing was excellent and the snow forgiving enough to make it all feel pretty steady but really fun. Having got down with time to spare, we skinned back up for another lap and the snow was even better for having had a further hour of sun on it.
Robin at the bottom of the face.
Me heading out onto the better snow. Photo Robin Beadle.
First turn - the snow was awesome! Photo Robin Beadle.
Me heading in for a second lap. Photo Robin Beadle.
Once done we skied out on what was left of the Lachenal piste and headed home via some extremely slushy blue runs and the Brevent lifts. An awesome half day hit!