So, here
we are again. Another trip has been confirmed. This one will likely be cold,
windy, difficult to breathe (though not as difficult as on recent trips), more
technical than I am used to and statistically a bit dangerous. And it doesn't even
require a long flight to get there. Excitement all over!
Mont
Blanc, here I come!
12th
– 13th of June
As it
was harder than expected to find a direct flight to Geneva from Copenhagen I
ended up deciding on a flight Friday evening after work which gives me an extra
day in Chamonix. Meeting up with the
rest of the group Saturday evening with briefing.
14th
of June
After a
short drive to Italy we’ll trek through Gran Paradiso National Park up towards
Rifugio Vittorio Emanuelle II hut at 2732m. After a lunch break we will be
practicing using ice axes and crampons on the nearby glaciers. Always nice with
a refresher, if for nothing else then to make sure I can still use my axe without
accidentally stabbing myself. Staying the night at the hut.
15th
of June
The day
is spent on climbing Gran Paradiso, 4061m, which is Italy’s tallest point. After
completing the climb we will return to Chamonix.
16th
of June
Depending
on the group and weather we will end up doing one of two things; In case of bad
weather and/or people needing to rest we will take the Montenvers railway up to
Mer de Glace; otherwise we’ll take the lift up to Aiguille du Midi at 3842m and
traverse Vallée Blanche to further practice ice axe and crampon usage. The goal
is to reach Pointe Helbronner from where we will take the gondola back to Aiguille
du Midi and return back down.
17th
of June
Depending
on weather and conditions we will today ascend to either Tête Rousse at 3167m
or the Cosmiques hut at 3613m.
18th
of June
Summit
day – weather permitting, of course. The ascent is estimated to take 6-7 hours,
so nothing out of the ordinary. I’d image that if we stay at Tête Rousse the
climb is going to be much harder, adding an extra 450m to the altitude. Coming
down again we return to the hut we left from.
19th
of June
Return
to Chamonix. If weather prevented us from ascending yesterday we will have an
early departure today, summiting and going all the way down back to the
Chamonix valley.
20th
of June
Departure
in the afternoon, giving a couple of extra hours in Chamonix. This time I didn't
manage to find a direct flight, but with a layover of app. 1½ hours it could
have been worse.
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