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Latest update for this weekend:

The recent good weather has favoured activity in the high mountains but, as reported frequently, the conditions are very dry for the season.  Most of the gullies and mixed routes are not yet in condition; more snow is needed!

 

The Torino is the only high altitude hut still open.  At mid altitudes, only the

Plan de l'Aiguille and the Loriaz huts are open.

 

Tour Glacier sector: the normal routes on Tête Blanche, Petite Fourche and the Aiguille du Tour are being done.  (N.B. the Col Supérieur du Tour is still awkward to cross.) No information about the Chardonnet.

 

Argentière sector: Good conditions reported for the Bettembourg-Thivierge gully, no information for the other routes in this sector.  

 

Cosmiques/Torino sector: Aiguilles Marbrées and Entrèves and the Dent du Géant remain popular.  Parties turned back on the Rochefort Ridge, (too much snow.)  The Kuffner Ridge is being done again, in OK conditions (see cahier de course).
Rock routes are being climbed on the Aiguille du Midi S face, Pointes Lachenal and the Tacul satelittes.
The Fil à Plomb was done recently.  It is necessary to bypass the bergshrund using the rocks to the left; afterwards the conditions are more or less OK.
No information about the 3 Monts traverse, but the normal route on the Tacul is being done regularly.

 

The Gouter route on Mont Blanc remains popular. It is still forbidden to walk along by the Tramway du Mont Blanc rail track, only the Rognes or the Chalets de l'Are paths are allowed.  

 

The Tricot ridge and the traverse of the Bionnassay are also being done, conditions are more technical than usual, with the Bionnassay ridge being very thin. There are some ice sections on the north side and powder snow on the Italian side.  

 

A party turned back on the Dômes de Miage traverse due to awkward conditions, (the ridge very narrow, crevasses etc.) 

 

Many hikers are enjoying the valley paths during these beautiful autumnal days.  Do not forget to check for closed paths ( chemins fermés pour travaux ) before setting out. Some of the signposts are being removed prior to the winter; take a map!

 

The Curalla Via Ferrata at Plateau d'Assy will close on 13th November and the cables on the Dérochoir will be removed on the same date.  The Tricot footbridge will be taken down for the winter between 16 and 20th October.