good article relevant but a bit on the nose up in the air about inexpierenced skiers-so wat have to staret somewhere!- but still i think this is a relevant and decent article due to its detail-and ‘knob-oilly’ realism!
Sorry to step on some toes but you should have been there. Priceless listening to early retirees about peak house selling.
-as far as im concerned the housinmg market has got bugger all to do with it! beggars can,t be choosers the less inexpierenced skiers on the mountain the better!
The trip sounds like a bit of a cluster. I’m surprised you didn’t drop that freeloader in Champex-Lac after the first night--you’re far more patient than I am.
Strange. The Col du Sonadon was pretty mellow, if a bit steep, every time I’ve been over it. The Plateau du Couloir is the crux of the Classic Haute Route [not sure what the “South Route” means]. The way around that cliff on the Glacier Durand seems to be changing the last couple years, but the cliff never moves!
The variation you did is definitely harder than the Verbier variation you probably did the first time, but not as hard as some others. Try a Swiss 3-Cols from Trient [or the Grand Lui, if you’re fast]. Then to the GSB Monastery & around Velan to Valsorey. Very pure--no roads--but hard & more technical. You can also go over the fun Les Portons instead of up the dreadful Otemma if the weather cooperates next time.
Go before Easter next time. You get to break your own trail & sleep in empty huts. And carry your own food if you think it’s too expensive. I’ve always found the huts to be a lot cheaper than staying in town. And having hot food prepared for me at night allows me to really go all out during the day--a good trade off, IMHO. It’s only money--I’ll get a night job when I get back home.
Yes, great comments.
I would have dropped the freeloader but she was a lot craftier drying up another boy’s fund and then some of others.
Col du Sonadon with little snow and icy condition turned quite troublesome. We could not get much purchase with skins or I need new skins.
Terrains seem to change fair bit. Yes, Velan to Valsorey looks spectacular and Grand Lui as well.
Yes, go before the Easter. I like breaking trails and sleep in empty huts. That is how we did it first time via Verbier. I just found how crappy it gets otherwise. But then money is money.
Good comments. Thank you.