And finally, by late afternoon, we had just about filled our memory cards and were heading to the end of the glacier. There are many things about the Vallee Blanche that are not included in the glossy marketing brochures! But one of the things that unfit skiers must find daunting is the climb out of the Glace de Mer at the end of the trip.
Before "global warming", the glacier was much higher and skiers could just bounce out of the glacier, over a ridge and then ski down through the forest to Chamonix on the valley floor. Alternatively they could take the chairlift up to the Montenver Furnicular railway and catch a train back to the village. Now the glacier has shrunk so much, it is a steep 40 minute climb up an unformed track to reach the ridge or the chairlift and train station.
For those skiers who have already found the day already extremely challenging, this climb, carrying their skis, would almost break them. Certainly I passed two girls sobbing quietly as they hauled themselves up the icy track on wobbly legs. Graeme was also convinced that the man gasping for air in front of him, was going to collapse of heart failure!
Stewart, while a fit older man (his age is rarely revealed- suffice to say he is well more than another decade older than Graeme), did not enjoy this climb the first time he did it, 2 days ago. Somehow on the way down the glacier, Christof's comments about "skiing to Chamonix" were lost in translation. Stewart thought that Christof had an alternative route that meant he did not have to make this horrendous climb again!!
Alas, this was not the case. I have another photo of Stewart which I've refrained from publishing. Stewart's joyful demeanour evaporated when Christof revealed that the climb was still necessary. Seeing the look of sheer horror on Stewart's face, Christof was, however, kind enough to carry his skis for him.
3/ All is forgiven about the expression "Ski to Chamonix" - Christof, Stewart & I.
In the true French tradition, a bouvette, selling beers and soft drinks awaited us on the ridge as we completed the climb. With breathtaking views to the mountains and back up the glacier, it was an ideal place to stop and rest in the warm late afternoon sun.
Only the ski down to Chamonix remained. This of course was another challenge, as the snow was thin or non existant in places. Narrow turns at high speed and the ability to take hairpin corners, steeply banked with scraped snow were essential skills! Somehow we all managed to make it down in one piece!
4/ The fairly "agricultural" run home!!
It was a challenging end to a spectacular day and we'd like to think that even Stewart enjoyed his second Vallee Blanche expedition in 3 days. Although he did admit that he might have a quiet day in Chamonix tomorrow. I wish we could say the same! We're off to Italy with Christof for 3 days ski touring! Phew!!
No comments:
Post a Comment