For most of April Paul and I have been in France and Switzerland skiing and climbing. The first half of the trip was spent trying to get high enough early enough to enjoy some skiing in what were unseasonably warm conditions the second half we spent climbing in Provence. We had a warm day tour from Arolla at the start of the trip, then a few days rock climbing in Switzerland. At the end of the first week Chris and Helena joined us - we had planned to do the West Oberland ski tour, however, the warm conditions prevented this and instead we had to come up with a plan B - the Pigne du Arolla looked like a good start something a little higher and not a logistical nightmare as Helena had to be back at work in a few days.
Approaching the Dix Hut with Mont Blanc du Chelion in background, descending the Pigne du Arolla
With the popular Monte Rosa and Haute Route huts all booked up and the weather cooling we had a frantic change of plan, sat out a day of rain in the valley which soon turned to snow at the Col du Pillon (Chris opting to sleep beside the van in his new CHF19 sleeping bag!!! brrr!!!) and set off on the West Oberland - back to the original plan. It is a great quiet tour we did not see anyone on most days, and had a great first day over the Arpelistock to the Gelten Hut - with fresh tracks all the way.
Happy faces, and fresh powder on day one!!
A bit more snow, sunshine and the mountains to ourselves made it perfect!!
Skiing done, now for some rock climbing - we headed south to Meribel to meet Steve and Rachel. After an end of season party we went down to Provence.
Great climbing at a crowded Orpierre, quiet Combe Obscure, Buoux, Chaine du Clapis, Ubriex and Maleucene.
Buoux pocket pulling and the Chaine des Clapis
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