The Aiguille du Midi cable car is closed again, for technical reasons. It is due to reopen on 7th July, (to be confirmed.) The first leg, (to Plan de l’Aiguille,) will remain open until 17th June. However, the Grand Bois and Pré du Rocher footpaths are currently closed for work by a council byelaw.
Albert 1er Sector:
On the approach via the moraine, the snow starts around 200m below the hut. The approach from Charamillon is not recommended, (steep snowfields).
The classic normal routes on the Tete Blanche, Petite Fourche, Aiguille du Tour, as well as the Forbes Ridge and Migot Spur are in good condition. No particular problems for the descent by the normal route on the Chardonnet. The lower part of the Table Couloir has a narrow section of rock, after which it is snow.
Argentière Sector:
The lifts are still closed and the footpaths beneath Lognan and Plan Joran/Lognan are closed for work by a council byelaw. Access is therefore complicated. Nonetheless, the Couturier has been done in good conditions even though the "coude" (bend) is ice; descent on the Whymper side.
Couvercle Sector:
The approach is by the new path or the Egralets.
Parties have turned back after the bergshrund on the Whymper and on the Aiguille du Jardin due to lack of freezing.
The Courtes up to the top of the NE slope was in condition.
Pointe Isabelle has been done with skis and snowshoes.
The Contamine on the Moine and Miss Tique have been climbed. The descent by the Moine normal route still has some snow; exposed.
Torino Sector:
The classics in this sector are popular: Aiguilles Marbrées, Aiguilles d'Entrèves, and the Tour Ronde, SE ridge or by the Freshfield Col, (because the“normal winter route”is not in condition), Gervasutti Couloir and the N Face.
Good conditions for the Rochefort Arete and at the Dent du Géant, (some of the rock is still wet and likely to be further affected by the storms over the next few days). Climbing has restarted on the satellites. It is probably too early for the Küffner (cornices). The Brenva Spur looks feasible.
Cosmiques Sector:
Approached from the Requin or the Skyway, as the Aig du Midi lift is shut. There have been parties on the Triangle du Tacul: Petit Frounet, Contamine-Negri and Chéré.
The 3 Monts route has been done with skis and on foot.
Plan de l'Aiguille:
There has been activity on the NE Ridge of the “M” and the traverse of the Petits Charmoz.
Grands Mulets:
Take the lower route between Plan de l'Aiguille and the Gare des Glaciers. The Jonction is crossed on foot.
Mont Blanc was popular last weekend by Plateaux route and by the N ridge of the Dome, where conditions are a bit better, though crampons and ice screws are still essential. The N face of Mont Blanc was skied in good conditions last weekend.
Goûter:
The tramway and cable car are still closed. Nonetheless, the normal route up Mont Blanc is well frequented. The snow starts around the level of the Nid d'Aigle.
Conscrits Sector:
The approach is by the Tré la Tête glacier. There is still too much snow for the approach via the footbridge.
Dômes de Miage traverse is being done on foot and with skis; exposed section on the ridge between the col and the Aiguille de la Bérangère.
Mont Tondu was climbed in good conditions.
N face of the Tré la Tête was climbed, with a ski descent on the Petit Mont Blanc side.
N face of the Dôme de Neige des Glaciers has been skied.
A quick word on the hiking trails:
The snowline is receding, but there is still a lot of snow in certain sectors.
Care, experience and the right equipment remain essential.
Some works are in progress and so certain paths are closed by Council byelaw.
There is still a lot of snow on the Tour du Mont Blanc and some passages require caution. More info here.
Do not hesitate to contact Chamoniarde for more information.