It has been a long time coming but the nearest ski area to work (about a quarter of an hour drive) has finally opened and with good initial conditions.

I waited until 4pm to see if the cloud that has been clagging the Chartreuse would clear. It seemed to be the case and for a brief moment it lifted revealing the mountain in all its glory.

It has snowed overnight and reports from this morning were quite encouraging. Less snow than forecast but around 25cm of dense powder. I decided to have a look at the col du Coq routes.

Emeindras - good slidy snow with a few bare patches that were relatively easy to avoid, snow got better as I climbed.

With temperatures hitting 26C today, in the valley, it almost seems like summer has arrived. However we're expecting snow at 1500 meters this weekend with a brutal drop in temperatures.

Today tot and I decided to revisit the Col de l'Arzelier. Tot had some of his early ski experiences in this small and somewhat remote ski area.

From the corner at 780 meters at the top of the village follow the Lanfray river to 921 meters (les Combes).

Climb the left bank of the Manival stream following a good jeep track to the to the Manival Forest Cabin (open, unguarded) at 870m. The track is very steep for 50 meters.

Combined with a climb and descent of the North couloirs of the Jas de Lievreshttp://pistehors.com/trainer-couloirs-of-the-jas-de-lievres-route-5.

Follow the road to the Pont de la Betta then a forest trail to the habert d'aiguebelle (refuge - unguarded). From here you can climb either by the east or south face.