Over
the past week we have been out looking at the trail conditions in readiness for
the arrival of our first clients who arrive next weekend.
There
have been many reports of the bumper snowfall in the Alps last winter &
that is true and we have received lots of enquires & questions about this
however the current conditions are not unusual for early June. In 2013 &
2016 we had equally challenging conditions and 2018 looks to be similar therefore
if you are trekking in early season you need to be prepared, equipped and know
your limitations.
We
have had a warm spring and the situation is improving on a daily basis however
the snow above 2000m especially on shaded & north facing slopes will take
some weeks to disappear.
The
main problem areas:
· Contamines to Chapieux
& Ville des Glaciers via the Col du Bonhomme & the Col de la Croix Bonhomme & Col des Fours if going to Ville des Glaciers.
· Chapieux & Ville des
Glaciers to Courmayeur via the Col de Seigne
· Refuge Bonatti to La
Fouly via the Grand Col Ferret
· Champex to Trient via the
Fenetre d’Arpette
For your own safety please take
notice of any advice available, be aware of the additional challenges, know
your limitations and where the route is not advisable and change your plans
accordingly.
Snow on high ground this
can make the route difficult and dangerous in places. A great deal of care needs to be taken when moving on old snow,
depending on the weather & temperature this can be frozen solid or slush
and without crampons can be impossible to cross without slipping. Ascending on
snow can be often feel easy by kicking in steps & making good firm
footholds however the main problems occur when traversing steep sided slops,
gullies and in descent. Also great car needs to be taken when crossing snow
covered streams in case of snow collapse. It is essential that you make a risk
assessment before crossing snow, look below and ask yourself if you slipped how
far would you slide & fall? Could a slip or fall cause injury? If in doubt
retreat back and descend to the safety of the valley.
Tour du Mont Blanc in brief (if doing the westerly, easterly or ‘Best of’ refer to the
relevant days)
Day 1: Chamonix to Les Houches: Ok if a
lower route is taken, the Col de Brevent is not advisable.
Day 2: Les Houches to Contamines: Passable
via the col du Tricot however care must be taken. On the Les Houches side of
the Col du Tricot there is a fair amount of uneven snow, which makes progress
slow. On the descent to the Chalets du Miage although nearly snow free the path
has been scoured away by winter snow and great care needs to be taken as the
terrain is steep. The route via Chapel is snow free and would be an easier trouble
free option.
Day 3: Contamines to Chapieux or Ville des
Glaciers: A great deal of snow above 2000m, this section is not advisable
without having the correct equipment with you (see below). The traverse between
the Col du Bonhomme & the Col du la Croix du Bonhomme can be very difficult
with snow as a slip or fall here could cause serious injury. If staying at the
Refuge Mottets it is advisable to follow the route card provided to Chapieux
& take the road to Ville de Glaciers rather than go over the Col du Fours
which is very steep in descent with snow.
Day 4: Chapieux or Ville des Glaciers to
Courmayeur: A great deal of snow above 2000m, this section is not advisable
without having the correct equipment with you (see below). We advise you take
the bus or a taxi from La Visaille to Courmayeur as the route via the Mont
Faurvre spur can be dangerous with this amount of snow. The regular bus service
doesn’t run until July therefore the Allo bus is bookable on +39 0165 1854653 more information can be found here: http://www.savda.it/en/55/alla-bus-courmayeur/
or by taxi, Mont Blanc Shuttle +39 347-4213679, TAXI Courmayeur
di Granato +39 0165 841821. These will need to be reserved before you leave
Contamines as phone signal is not available until after the Col du Seigne.
Day 5: Courmayeur to Refuge Bonatti: ok via
Refuge Bertone and the balcony route, do not take the higher options outlined
in the guide-book. Care needs to be taken when traversing the sections of snow.
Day 6: Refuge Bonatti to La Fouly: A great
deal of snow above 2000m, we advise to descend from the Refuge Bonatti to the
Val Ferret and walk up the road to Arnuva then take the 4x4 track to refuge
Elena do not attempt to take the TMB route up the gully, the bridge over
the gully has not been re-instated as yet and crossing the snow bridge will be
dangerous. This section is not advisable without having the correct
equipment with you (see below).
Day 7: La Fouly to Champex: ok no problems,
the route is snow free.
Day 8: Champex to Trient: ok via the
Bovine route care needs to be taken when traversing the sections of snow.
The
variant via the Fenetre d’Arpette is not passable, do not attempt to go this
way as it is very steep at the col at either side, due to the amount of snow a
slip or fall here could cause serious injury.
Day 9: Trient to Argentiere: There is
still a significant amount of snow on the way up to Col du Balme care needs to
be taken crossing the snow patches. Go direct to the Col from Trient rather
than via Tseppes & Catogne. Little snow on the Chamonix side of the Col and
the rest of the route is trouble free. Care needs to be taken when traversing
the sections of snow.
Day 10: Argentiere to Chamonix: The
Aiguille Rouges nature reserve still has a lot of snow, Lac Blanc is completely
covered with snow and remains frozen. Therefore we advise to remain on the
lower balcony to Flegere and do not ascend to Lac Cheserys and Lac Blanc, the
route from Flegere to Brevent has no problems and is relatively snow free.
Essential kit:
· All kit outlined on our kit
list not forgetting good waterproof boots (not trainers or trail shoes),
gloves, warm hat, warm layers, waterproof outer layers, sun cream &
sunglasses to protect against snow glare.
· Light weight crampons or
MICROspikes & walking poles x 2 per person to aid balance, lightweight
walking crampons can be hired locally in Chamonix, Snell sports is a good hire
shop on the main street opposite the Maison de la Presse. Micro spikes (see
picture) can be purchased from many of the shops in Chamonix.
· Gaiters to keep the snow
out of your boots when walking through snow.
Important to remember
Walking
on snow can be very tiring and time consuming, you will need a good level of
fitness in order to be able to cope with this additional challenge. You will
also need to allow more time each day to get to your destination.
Snow
and bad weather can make navigation difficult as you cannot see the designated
path and route markets and signage will be covered with snow although you will
find tracks in the snow. Good navigational skills are essential, the ability to
read a map, use a compass and altimeter are a pre-requisite of this self-guided
trek.
Due
to the current conditions information given on the route cards may be
inappropriate additional route notes will be given to supplement and additional
information you may have received. You need good mountain sense and the ability
to make your own decisions, it is your responsibility to select
alternative routes from the information you have at hand (map, guidebook &
route & safety cards etc).
Please contact us for
further information and additional information on current conditions are
available on the AuTourDuMontBlanc website: http://www.autourdumontblanc.com/en/index.cfm/general-conditions.html
