An unsettled week in Chamonix

Since arriving back in Chamonix on 11th July, the weather has been very changeable. Sunday and Monday were very wet and produced snow down to 2000 metres. Tuesday and Wednesday were perfect days in the high mountains. Today (Thursday) is overcast and rain is forecast later in the day. From the comfort of Mark and Jane Seaton's family home the conditions at altitude look windy and cloudy.

Check Chamonix Weather.

Yesterday (16th July) crossing the Vallee Blanche. A simple, yet stunning three or four hour journey, using the Aiguille du Midi cable car as approach and returning via the smaller 'bobble-cars' from the Italian side, on completion of the trek.

Still plenty of snow on the Gervesutti Pillar yesterday.

Looking across the Peuterey Ridge, Freney Pillar and Pear Buttress. Still loads of new snow above 3000 metres, which will make for difficult conditions on any really high routes which rely on dry rock for crucial passages. The South Face of Aiguille du Midi is looking okay, as is Pointe Lachenal. Any steep south-facing routes at around 3700 metres are drying out fast.

The popular snow routes are in very good shape with very little ice showing and good trails.

The view yesterday towards the Monte Rosa group from above the Torino Hut.

For lower level day treks or rock climbing, the Aiguille Rouge group has possibly the most photogenic set of trails and routes anywhere in Europe. Easily accessed by foot or cable car to a height of around 2000 metres, this south-facing area is very, very popular and crowded. Sections of the Tour of Mont Blanc pass through and the cliffs all have good and well documented rock climbing at a variety of grades.

This last week has been a family trip. Our two Daughter's wanted to show my Son-in-Law, Paul, how they spent summer holidays with Sue, whilst Dad was away working in the mountains. As usual it rained a little!

Considering how busy and developed the Aiguille Rouge is, the wildlife does not appear too bothered. Maybe those of you out there who suggest we 'Respect Nature' should actually ask nature how it feels about co-existing with humans, at least in the Alps!

Ibex are supreme animals when it comes to traversing steep and exposed ground. I regularly meet them on very high, remote and difficult ground. Sightings on glaciers and graded rock climbs are not uncommon.

This week in the Aiguille Rouge, many young families of Ibex were to be seen browsing amongst the climbers and trekkers.

Look no ropes!
Buck Ibex, picture. Courtesy of Victoria Kimber

No dogs allowed in the Aiguille Rouge Walter!!

Alpine Viola
Climbing above Argentiere

Plenty of snow on Aiguille Verte, which might just make an ascent of this mountain less serious, so long as the temperatures at altitude stay low.


Looking towards the normal ascent and descent route on the Aiguille du Chardonnet. Starting down the diagonal snow ramps and couloirs, leading from top centre, rightwards to the large snow patch just above the centre of the image. This looks to be in good shape and benefits from the bonding of loose rocks by the current snow layer.

Far too much snow on Grande Jorasses for ascents of Walker Spur just now. Unless anyone any knows different.