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.

This is the winter of our discontent. Or so it would seem reading ski forums given the very poor snow conditions.

Climb to the summit of the ski pistes by the snowshoe trails (avoid walking on the cross country ski runs as this ruins the tracks) from the top of the runs climb behind the drag lift then follow a fo

La Mure des Molles - The Wall of the Softies.

We had cleared a lot of brushwood this autumn so a little off piste skiing to test our hard work through the phantom village.

Starting from les Bletieres (or the Col du Lauteret) climb the trail to les Fournelles then the Rau (river) de Pre Boutey to the Col du Lauteret.

Quick tour behind the house of the Côte Borne and the Champ Bertin. Surprisingly dry in the woods and quite warm given it is boxing day.

From the hamlet of le Civet climb the route de Bois to les Massons then the reservoirs of St Ismier. From the reservoirs take the right fork towards the Col de Faita.

My idea was a cime de la Jasse "by fair means" that is, under human power from the valley 25km below.

A little afternoon tour to test the fresh snow and gear. There is no base in the snow pack below 1700 meters but still some rocks below 1900 meters.