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Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Where's all the snow?!
Very warm this week out in Morzine, which let me sneak up and ride one of the local trails - a short blast as the top section is under snow still, but good to be out on the bike again...
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Chamonix Day out
I posted this on our blog at www.alpinhighs.com so thought that I should share it. Missing the riding, but days like these almost make up for it!
Rob has been working hard for us up at Chalet Joran, so with this in mind, we treated him to a day out in Chamonix, to board the Vallee Blanche - something that I've always wanted to do too, so no hardship!
After an early start and Baltic change next to the car in -14, we headed over the the Telepherique headed up to the Aiguile du Midi! We were in a group of other guys, being guided by Chamonix-Guides and we were put with a couple of other English speakers - 3 English, one Argentinian with a Scotish accent, a Finn and a Swede, headed up by guide Bertrand Gentou. Quite an international affair!
After a quick hop into climbing harnesses, we queued up with the other 200 or so people heading up and tried to stay warm as we waited for the car to arrive...
The last time I was up here was a few years ago and I remembered the cable car trip as being reasonably scary! I must be more used to dangling from wires now, as it really wasn't that bad and our cramped car didn't afford me a view of the vertiginous drop below. After relocating everyone and taking in the views from the platforms, we started to gear up in the tunnel which heads down to the ice cave exit. What an exit, too. When I was up here in the summer, I jealously looked on as mountaineers headed out through the little metal gate, dividing those who can and can't play on the glacier below. Bertrand had roped us up and we made progress together, with a safety rope in hand, which was a good comfort as the drop is not to be underestimated and would certainly be fatal if you went.
At the bottom, my board strap buckle had handily frozen up, so I faffed around and cut it, taking a few snaps and enjoying the perfect conditions - cold, but with no wind. The snow under foot was windslab, or 'crest de Coq' as Bertrand put it, meaning a softer layer below was topped by a slightly more compact and lumpy top coat. Ok, but not the powder that we've been used to and immediately difficult if the top layer is broken.
The first shoulder down from the Aiguile du Midi is an open snow field with no crevasse danger, so we ripped down here, with the view of the spire behind, stopping lower down to look at the first of the changing ice conditions, snow bridges and crevasses. It was amazing for me to be down on this 'floor' of the valley as I'd looked down there longingly before - the view you get is so different and achieved so quickly on the board or skis.
It was after this point that we got the talk about staying in Bertrand's tracks. I was more than happy. We saw another group with a guy who shot off in front of his guide to the left and almost skiied into an open fissure, stopped only by his guide's shouting. Not cool. Guides are there for a reason!
The views just kept opening up and it really was great to be in amongst such impressive peaks.
After a flatter stretch, we came towards some steep stuff and my first problem of the day in the shape of steep moguls! I lost my heelside edge a few times on the steeper stuff and I think that I need to get into the habit of leaning further upright when on the super steep. Feels wrong, but holds the edge! I was relieved that Rob was having similar issues with the steep ice.
Below the shots above this text, we dropped into a narrowish couloir and this was where I lost it big time! Exiting, I lost my edge and then promptly dropped a good 80 meters on my bum. Great style, to the amusement of our group! I pit the camera away after that! I did note that I had been heading towards a large roll over that had a hole on the other side. Glad i stopped in time! On a worse not, we saw at least two helicopter pick ups from injured skiers, so it really is worth knowing your up to it!
The terrain dropped steeply again, heading down to the lower glacier as seen in the shot below. After a tricky traverse on my now tiring legs, we opened up with a great shuss down onto the glacier floor, with the Grand Jorasses and the Dru towering above us. Couldn't be better than that!
A bit of board touring by poles ensued before a bit more of a drop and then a 150m hike up to the little refuge at the head of a cat track back down to the valley. We stopped, enjoyed the view and then headed down the 4x course that was the cat track, with a few spills, a bit of off piste and crazy Japanese lady who seemed to tied to me by string! Once at the bottom, we drank a well deserved pint and thanked Bertrand for his day taking us through this amazing scenery. Great guide, great group, great weather - couldn't have been better!
Our guide was worth recommending, so I will!
Bertrand Gentou
bertrand.guide@free.fr
+33 (0)6 22 35 01 03
Rob has been working hard for us up at Chalet Joran, so with this in mind, we treated him to a day out in Chamonix, to board the Vallee Blanche - something that I've always wanted to do too, so no hardship!
After an early start and Baltic change next to the car in -14, we headed over the the Telepherique headed up to the Aiguile du Midi! We were in a group of other guys, being guided by Chamonix-Guides and we were put with a couple of other English speakers - 3 English, one Argentinian with a Scotish accent, a Finn and a Swede, headed up by guide Bertrand Gentou. Quite an international affair!
After a quick hop into climbing harnesses, we queued up with the other 200 or so people heading up and tried to stay warm as we waited for the car to arrive...
The last time I was up here was a few years ago and I remembered the cable car trip as being reasonably scary! I must be more used to dangling from wires now, as it really wasn't that bad and our cramped car didn't afford me a view of the vertiginous drop below. After relocating everyone and taking in the views from the platforms, we started to gear up in the tunnel which heads down to the ice cave exit. What an exit, too. When I was up here in the summer, I jealously looked on as mountaineers headed out through the little metal gate, dividing those who can and can't play on the glacier below. Bertrand had roped us up and we made progress together, with a safety rope in hand, which was a good comfort as the drop is not to be underestimated and would certainly be fatal if you went.
At the bottom, my board strap buckle had handily frozen up, so I faffed around and cut it, taking a few snaps and enjoying the perfect conditions - cold, but with no wind. The snow under foot was windslab, or 'crest de Coq' as Bertrand put it, meaning a softer layer below was topped by a slightly more compact and lumpy top coat. Ok, but not the powder that we've been used to and immediately difficult if the top layer is broken.
The first shoulder down from the Aiguile du Midi is an open snow field with no crevasse danger, so we ripped down here, with the view of the spire behind, stopping lower down to look at the first of the changing ice conditions, snow bridges and crevasses. It was amazing for me to be down on this 'floor' of the valley as I'd looked down there longingly before - the view you get is so different and achieved so quickly on the board or skis.
It was after this point that we got the talk about staying in Bertrand's tracks. I was more than happy. We saw another group with a guy who shot off in front of his guide to the left and almost skiied into an open fissure, stopped only by his guide's shouting. Not cool. Guides are there for a reason!
The views just kept opening up and it really was great to be in amongst such impressive peaks.
After a flatter stretch, we came towards some steep stuff and my first problem of the day in the shape of steep moguls! I lost my heelside edge a few times on the steeper stuff and I think that I need to get into the habit of leaning further upright when on the super steep. Feels wrong, but holds the edge! I was relieved that Rob was having similar issues with the steep ice.
Below the shots above this text, we dropped into a narrowish couloir and this was where I lost it big time! Exiting, I lost my edge and then promptly dropped a good 80 meters on my bum. Great style, to the amusement of our group! I pit the camera away after that! I did note that I had been heading towards a large roll over that had a hole on the other side. Glad i stopped in time! On a worse not, we saw at least two helicopter pick ups from injured skiers, so it really is worth knowing your up to it!
The terrain dropped steeply again, heading down to the lower glacier as seen in the shot below. After a tricky traverse on my now tiring legs, we opened up with a great shuss down onto the glacier floor, with the Grand Jorasses and the Dru towering above us. Couldn't be better than that!
A bit of board touring by poles ensued before a bit more of a drop and then a 150m hike up to the little refuge at the head of a cat track back down to the valley. We stopped, enjoyed the view and then headed down the 4x course that was the cat track, with a few spills, a bit of off piste and crazy Japanese lady who seemed to tied to me by string! Once at the bottom, we drank a well deserved pint and thanked Bertrand for his day taking us through this amazing scenery. Great guide, great group, great weather - couldn't have been better!
Our guide was worth recommending, so I will!
Bertrand Gentou
bertrand.guide@free.fr
+33 (0)6 22 35 01 03
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Crikey! SURPRISE!!!!
Thanks to everyone who gave us he surprise of our lives with a proper jump-out-stylee surprise party before our move to France!!!
It was great to see family and friends as we'd completely run out of time to organise a send off ourselves. We couldn't have set up Alpine Highs without family and close friends helping us along the way, so THANKS A MILLION!!
We managed to get a lack luster climb in at the MK wall on the Sunday arvo - a good send off and fun even though we were all knackered...
It was great to see family and friends as we'd completely run out of time to organise a send off ourselves. We couldn't have set up Alpine Highs without family and close friends helping us along the way, so THANKS A MILLION!!
We managed to get a lack luster climb in at the MK wall on the Sunday arvo - a good send off and fun even though we were all knackered...
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Roc D'Enfer
Post from the Mountain Spaces blog for you viewing pleasure, twas a goodun'
It's always hard to judge when a walk is an infamous as the Roc D'Enfer for claiming several lives over the past few years but the warning signs are well justified. Going well prepared with plenty of time, taking a map, making sure someone knows your route and the the weather forecast is nothing but clear skies with no wind is as much as you can do. The rest is walking confidently within you limits and not being afraid of turning back if you are either unsure of the route or not confident in your ability.
Having said that the reward was an exhilarating walk/scramble along one of the best ridge lines I've ever been too!
Thursday, October 06, 2011
Alpine Highs
Well, its been a long time in coming, but, Steffi and I are dragging Monty and the mog off to France! We have followed in Chris and Kate's footsteps and are setting up our own catered ski chalet company, offering a little bit of luxury for those skiing in Morzine, Avoriaz and the Portes du Soleil this winter and beyond!
We have got an amazing new build chalet on the fringes of Morzine, in a superb location to come and relax, ski and generally have fun! The main chalet offers 12 people catered ski breaks, relaxing in an open plan living area with open fire and access to our sauna, enjoying the family en suite and double balconied double bedrooms. Those who wish to self cater or want to enjoy their own space in a smaller group, have a stunning modern apartment in which to relax!
We've been working really hard on this and can't wait to get going, with only three weeks now before we make the move! check us out here at www.alpinehighs.com
The chalet is just having its last lick of paint and finisheing touches, so more photos will come very soon. We are now in full decamp mode, packing up our house in the UK and making last minute adjustments to the menu. You will leave fatter!!!
The rear of the chalet as it was in August.
The apartment. Superb finish.
We have got an amazing new build chalet on the fringes of Morzine, in a superb location to come and relax, ski and generally have fun! The main chalet offers 12 people catered ski breaks, relaxing in an open plan living area with open fire and access to our sauna, enjoying the family en suite and double balconied double bedrooms. Those who wish to self cater or want to enjoy their own space in a smaller group, have a stunning modern apartment in which to relax!
We've been working really hard on this and can't wait to get going, with only three weeks now before we make the move! check us out here at www.alpinehighs.com
The chalet is just having its last lick of paint and finisheing touches, so more photos will come very soon. We are now in full decamp mode, packing up our house in the UK and making last minute adjustments to the menu. You will leave fatter!!!
The rear of the chalet as it was in August.
The apartment. Superb finish.
Monday, September 12, 2011
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