The Alpine Club, the world’s first mountaineering club, was founded in 1857.  For over 150 years, members have been at the leading edge of worldwide mountaineering development and exploration. 

With membership, experienced and aspiring alpinists benefit from a varied meets programme, regional lectures with notable guest speakers, reduced rates at many alpine huts, opportunity to apply for grants to support expeditions, significant discounts at many UK retailers, extensive networking contacts, access to the AC Library and maps - and more! 

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The weather continues to be disappointing  with rain (snow), storms, wind, etc.  Freezing is not always good.  It has snowed at altitude, (for example, 20cm at the Aiguille du Midi on Thursday morning) and, as usual,  there has been a lot of wind.  On a positive note, this has prolonged the conditions for the snow and mixed routes.   Care is needed on slopes above 3500m. The rock routes should start drying out from Friday onwards.  

It is difficult to give reliable information about the high mountain, as the weather and conditions are so variable. It is, therefore , preferable to contact the OHM (Chamoniarde)  directly to discuss your projects.  It is also possible to contact the hut wardens.

Regarding hiking, the snow is going but still present in places. After all the rain, the trails are very wet: waterproof boots  are recommended!  

The Tour of Mont Blanc is OK with poles and good footwear. Crampons are probably needed for the Fours variant and the Fenetre d’Arpette.

Regarding the Aiguilles Rouges Tour, the Brévent col is OK from Planpraz (a few snowfields, no recent information on the snowfield under the ladders below the Brévent). On the other hand, the Col de Salenton has a lot of snow:  faint track on the west side;  a better track with markings on the Bérard side, crampons could be useful , (likewise for the Buet).

There is snow below the Albert 1er hut. The Jonction, (path closed above the Pyramides chalet on weekdays,) is now accessible to experienced hikers.

As for the mountain lakes, Lac du Brévent and Lac Blanc are  accessible from La Flégère or Col des Montets.  Approaching  Lac Blanc and the Lacs Noirs / Lac Cornu sector from the Index, is reserved for experienced, well-equipped hikers (poles and good footwear, (with crampons in the rucksack) .