Carrington - Rouse

Last weekend I was at the Kandersteg "not so much" ice festival. It was a shame the conditions were really poor as I had arranged to stay on for a few days after with my friend Ben Winston to climb some ice. http://www.benwinston.co.uk/ The conditions were really bad so we decided to head back through to Chamonix. Ben had 3 days to play with and being a new father he has to savour and make the most of any free time he gets.

Powder start to the season

First few days back on the skis. Friday went to Verbier and on Saturday I was at Courmayuer. Powder runs on both days.... Great start to the season.

Lesuer route, Dru

Due to missing good weather windows with work and conditions being really awkward, I hadn't managed to get much climbing done this autumn. A nice high pressure system sat over the Massif last weekend. So I said no to work and asked about to see who was keen to go climb a hill...

A visit from Scotland.

Last week three friends of mine, Greg, Adam and Dougie came to Chamonix for a quick Alpine hit. We had a few ideas but things were warming up!

Gervasutti Pillar

The Gervassuti pillar is one the most classic alpine routes in the Mont Blanc massif, and quite rightly so. Towering spires that are stacked upon each other to form impressive ridge lines, seems to be typical of the East face of the Tacul. Which gives a slightly overwhelming feeling once you are involved in its structure.

Peuterey Integral

I always look over my right shoulder when I arrive in Italy after exiting the Mt Blanc tunnel, to have a wee swatch at the Peuterey Integral.  All these times that I've stared at this huge ridge line, I've been in awe knowing that I'd climb it someday. Exiting the tunnel this time felt slightly different!

Barbey Couloir

Knowing that there was only two days left until Grandes Montets closed for the season, I wanted to make use of the lift and ski something from the GM.