Returning to France

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!

12^th – 13^th 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.

14^th 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.

15^th 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.

16^th 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.

17^th of June

Depending on weather and conditions we will today ascend to either Tête Rousse at 3167m or the Cosmiques hut at 3613m.

18^th 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.

19^th 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.

20^th 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.