After taking the two-stage cable car to the top of the Brévent, Jeremy and I were just left with a downward hike to reach our route, La somone, the perfect active-rest day route. High clouds loomed over all we could see, but still left decent views.
Approaching our route we flushed another chamois who traversed right across our future pitch one before disappearing over the ridge.
After the wildlife played through, we got the base of the route and racked up (just draws) and Jeremy took the first pitch. I kept one eye on the clouds across the valley that seemed to be lowering over the summits.
Jeremy’s first pitch was a little broken up and not much to write home about. Then we had a short downclimb and walk to the base of the next section which looked decidedly more interesting to me.
This pitch followed a crack in a dihedral and actually involved some jamming. I was happy even if I was clipping bolts. Unfortunately, we got a few sprinkles as Jeremy followed the pitch.
Jeremy set off on pitch three and ended up linking it (just barely with our 60 meter rope) to pitch four. Pitch four was the crux of the route (about 5.9) and by linking the pitches Jeremy didn’t get stuck with just another so-so pitch.
After following the combined pitches, we did a very short rappel off the mini-spire we now inhabited.
Another short hike got us to the base of our pitch four. The clouds didn’t look any more threatening, the pitch was short and it had ceased to sprinkle. Game on.
We ended up at the top of a rounded cliff with an easy walk off the back. The route still had two more pitches, separated from us by yet another hike and we seemed to have the weather for it. Post-walk, Jeremy got ready for his last lead.
I again kept an eye on the clouds, as they concealed and revealed the Dru and other summits.
One more easy pitch deposited us just off the hiking path to the tram.
It was windier now that we were on the crest of the ridge, and we quickly packed up and picked up the next cable car down.
Another pan chocolat and Americano warmed us up back in Chamonix.
Complete photo album
So are you going to learn how to make pan chocolates at home?
Might have to try it sometime, I’ve never made croissants before.