Temperatures have rocketed here in the Alps over the past week or so, and we’ve had some serious rain as well. It’s that point in the season where the remaining snow gets quite active, and falls off the mountain!
The snow is so unstable that the Chamonix valley issued a warning to stay off the hill sides, even at low level as the avalanches from the high peaks could almost reach the valley. Luckily I’m not due to be working until the weekend, so no pressure to get up into the hills – time for indoor bouldering and flat running on the valley floor!
I had a couple of days touring with Tim and his group at the Benevalo refuge in Italy at the weekend. We were supposed to be skiing up Mont Blanc, but there was zero chance of that happening. Italy was still good fun though, although I did use an umbrella on the first day, walking to the hut. Pretty much the first time I’ve packed one for ski touring! The second day was better, although we did get some rain again, despite being at 3000m at the time.
It was one of those times where it was just good to get out and have a go. We turned around about an hour from the summit, there was thick cloud shrouding it and with the soggy snow it was going to be a difficult ski anyway, without the added complication of a whiteout. We still did about 900m of ascent from the refuge.
The Benevalo refuge has become a favorite of mine this winter – friendly, comfortable, proper coffee, cake and a really good selection of ski tours on both sides of the valley. There’s probably a weeks worth of touring right there, although a three day, two night trip is perfect.
I’ve got just a few days left of this ski season, finishing with a ski Mont Blanc by mid may. It feels like it’s been a long season, and my body needs a break from the skiing and skinning. I’ve been busy with some summer admin, booking huts and sorting out logistics for clients. My summer kicks off with a Mont Blanc early June.
I’m also running in a couple of long races this summer as well. The Mont Blanc 80km in late June, followed by the CCC in late August. Both are bigger races than I’ve tried before, so I’m doing some thinking about how to train this summer, whilst still doing plenty of guiding. Always a tricky balance, as guiding can be very hard physically and mentally and it’s probably sensible to have lots of rest days, rather than going out for a beasting on a day off!
Before that, it’s back to Devon for a couple of weeks, holidays, family visits, rock climbing and running. There’s a Dartmoor Runners event, and plenty of sea cliff climbing to be done as well.
Looking up at the Aiguille du Gouter from Les Houches
The Benevalo Refuge. The snow is disappearing fast.
Pretty heavy soggy snow on the way down. But still good fun.
Last-Minute Bookings & Custom Dates
