Chamonix April 2011
Thank You Konstantin!
Kostas came in from Italie. Nate from Maryland. Shay from San Diego. Scotty and Charles from Colorado. We converged at an apartment that Nate hooked us up with in Chamonix.
This is just a summary post since the pictures speak louder than words.
What was done:
Contamine Mazzeaud on Mt. Blanc du Tacul [Kostas, Shay, Charles]
Burnier-Vogler on Aiguille Du Midi (epic Rappel approach!) [Scotty, Nate]
Chèré Couloir on Mt. Blanc du Tacul [Kostas, Shay, Nate]
Ginat on Le Droites [Scotty, Charles]
Ski descent of the Vallee Blanche [Shay, Charles]
North Face of Les Courtes (Bail due to bergschrund issues) [Kostas, Shay]
Supercouloir (Bail due to poor conditions) [Scotty, Charles]
Highlights/Lessons:
If you miss the last teleferique down you will have to spend the night on the floor of the station bathroom
Refuge huts are really cozy
Bringing your own wine to huts is frowned upon but tolerated
Chamonix has some of the sharpest contrast between beautiful relaxing wine drinking in town and epic glaciers/mountains
Diarrhea mid route is sub optimal
Falling through snow bridges can be apesio
Sleeping on the summit of a route improves chances of success and may increase safety as it allows for a cold morning descent.
Wine is delicious
Kostas leading:
In the bar:
Glacier Travel:
Brew Stop:
