![]() But as things are, reaching the screw securely takes us quite some time. The descent on the normal route also doesn't proceed as we had expected it: A steep ice cliff about 10 meters high can only be overcome by abseil fortunately there is an ice screw, but the guy who had put this screw could really have chosen a more secure spot. But that turns out to be impossible (about 60° ice) so we follow the normal route downwards and omit the Tsessette. But the ridge over Aiguille de Croissant looks a bit very sharp, so we try to traverse Mur de la Côte from the side. In order to complete the summits, we had planned to go to Grand Combin de la Tsessette. Matterhorn, Dent Blanche, Weisshorn, Monte Rosa and in the other direction Gran Paradiso and Mont Blanc.Īt the end of the 20th century, the summit carries a - radio transmitter (Gd. We enjoy a wide view, which is however limited to the most important things by the ascending clowds: Only the 4000 m peaks Instead of a summit cross we are welcomed by a small radio relay station. Cabane de Valsorey is emphasized by a grey circle in the lower right.įrom Grand Combin de Valsorey we descend 50 meters and go up again 180 meters to the main summit, Grand Combin de Grafeneire (4314 m). ![]() There is a small cross made of wood.Ĭombin de Grafeneire is not far from here. At half past nine we reach the summit of Grand Combin de Valsorey, 4184 m. The following 80 meters are a nicely trerraced terrain in degree II, almost without any scree - really comfortable. As the guidebook indicates a II+ grade, we take the rope which turns out to be unnecessary. In two hours, the end of this slope is reached at the left side of the steep summit step. Morning in the south flank, at about 3800 m But the loose scree lying aroung everywhere makes us climb very careful, especially since four other climbers are ascending beneath us. The terrain is about 45° in average steepness and usually very easy, normally I, maybe one or two pitches of a II. Viewing back downwards from here it is quite clear that a descent on this route would not be optimal.įrom the plateau on, we follow a less steep scree slope, getting steeper towards its end and finally becoming the south wall. We follow a trail upwards through the scree, and with increasing steepness through snow and scree to Plateau du Couloir (3660 m). Meanwhile, fortunately we are above the fog and can see where we are walking. ![]() First we follow the normal route of Col du Meitin, after half an hour traversing to the right on the small glacier. The weather is not overwhelming, quite foggy. ![]() The fountain crocodile (?) of Cabane de Valsorey Unlike in many other hut gastronomy enterprises, here the warden can look after his guests well. The trail is rather stony and, for a hut ascent, often quite narrow.ĭespite weekend and good weather, there are not many people at Cabane de Valsorey. This year's action begins with a four-hour ascent to Cabane de Valsorey (3030 m).īesides lots of cattle encountering in opposite direction, many small or bigger re-descents take some time and make the way somewhat bothersome. In April 1995 we had climbed Combin de Corbassière (3716) for acclimatization, but on the day of decision, the weather was bad.1993 we had reached 3900 m in the Corridor bis 3900 m, when the weather turned bad. 1990 we got stuck in loose, unclear terrain at the west ridge. We already have had some attempts at Grand Combin, anyway: Therefore it is time again to take a try at one out of our wishlist. But besides that, we couldn't do too many new things. Our Alpine Club tours worked well, and for the first time we had a success rate of 100% there. Up to now, the summer of 1999 was rather moderate, considering the 4000 m peaks of the Alps. Traverse: south flank / normal route Report
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