36:36 for the climb compared to my record of 32:20 (for both skating and classic). Not bad at all and my 6th best time. I put it down to better technique as well as fitness.

I saw a TR on skitour which spoke of parking at the reservoirs and snow from 1500 meters.

Early November snow is not uncommon but always nice to restart the ski season.

There was a bit of a weather window this morning. Unfortunately I was a bit late and missed the best conditions before 10am.There is still snow at the bottom of the pistes at Pipay.

The forecast wasn't great for the weekend so I got up early to look out of the window. The clouds were starting to clear so I headed up to Prabert.

We ruled out south aspect slopes due to the poor weather forecast and the risk of crust, that seems like a good move.

RouteFrom the parking at Prabert, (pont de la Betta 1336m after March) follow the GR549 trail to the Habert d'Aiguebelle at 1800m. Continue east to the Pas de la Coche (2030 m).

From the col de Mouilles follow the road (closed in the winter) towards the Pré Marcel.

From the hairpin by the Pont des Cottaves (bridge 1110 meters about 2km on the n. side of the Col De Port) follow pylons to the bottom of the Chamont Som chair lift.

The Col du Merlet is the main ski tour in the Merlet valley. A classic easy day out that passes through summer villages into the high Belledonne mountains.