It's just to the right of Graeme's pack in this picture.
It was my turn to choose the ski tour this morning. Col de la Portette, sounds good, don't you think Graeme? Yes, that's the one you didn't want to climb.....well yes, you will need to climb it this time!
Seriously hot this morning, with a change predicted for later in the day, the snow was rapidly becoming rotten. We had chosen to climb the eastern side of the Col which at the same time 3 days ago was OK. But today, the heating process was occurring far more rapidly. It was touch and go stability-wise and with the benefit of hindsight it would have been far better to do this tour in reverse, ie., climb up the still frozen western side of the col and ski down the sunny face still early in the morning.
We made it to the Col, just in time and celebrated our climb by texting Pick in NZ to wish him Happy Birthday and to celebrate the occasion with a run down the western face. His reply "Whoohoo - glass of red 'n hand!" We are sorry to report, Pick, it was a terrible run! I think you would have described it as "frozen elephant snot!". Steep and lumpy, it was survival slide slipping and speed traversing until we found some spring corn on the more southerly aspects. We dedicated these far more pleasant runs to Pick instead!
2/ Refuge de Plate - 2032m
Arriving at the Refuge de Plate around 11am, we encountered a family group of Brits with a guide. The matriarch and patriach of this family group were wonderfully inspiring. Well into their 70's with touring gear from the same era, they were doing a fine job. They have an apartment in Flaine and come out every year for skiing and summer walking. It is my fervant wish that Graeme and I are still ski touring when we are their age!
The Refuge is only open in the summer although it does offer emergency winter shelter. Climbing up the ladder to the attic, we felt immediately at home. A few candles, mattresses and blankets. The attic interior reminded us very much of a NZ DOC hut. West facing this Refuge would be an awesome place to watch the sun go down!
3/ Inside the winter room of Refuge de Plate
Surrounding the Refuge are a number of other huts. Collectively called the Chalets de Plate, we are not sure what they are used for? According to the Refuge website only one farmer still grazes sheep here. They refer to extra accommodation in tents set up on the terrace. Woe betide if you are accompanied by a canine or you're a snorer, according to the website - you'll be relegated to the tents!!
4/ The Chalets de Plate
There is endless summer walking in the Alps! Graeme and I could imagine walking for months visiting all the little refuges along the way. With no heavy tents or cooking equipment in our packs - how good would it be?? Aaah, the temptation to stay longer....!
Stopping for a quick lunch on the climb back to Flaine, we were back in the resort around 2pm.
Despite passing the older English couple before and again after lunch, we were so impressed by their fitness and stamina. It was a long hot climb in wet snow. They did so well! Little did they know our motivation....
Graeme and I raced each other up the last 200m or so, in anticipation of our now customary Panochet!
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