Vertical Climbed: 700 meters (2,297 feet)
Avalanche Risk: 2
Snowline: 1,325
First and last Chamechaude for this year, probably, given the snow conditions. It is surprising how much it has melted since Wednesday when i was last in the area. The teleski piste was snow covered and skiable 2 days ago, not now. It is still possible to climb via the Teleski de Chamechaude but you need to climb under the teleski then take the first forest trail to the left which brings you back to the main pistes.
From the col the ski runs are in reasonable condition. The traverse through the woods has some bare patches, on the descent I took the direct route through the woods which is a border cross with good skiing. The rest of the climb was uneventful, soft snow in places which was slightly heavy going, especially on the summit plateau. The ski down started out ok but the section between the avalanche protection and Folatiere rock was very soft. It would be better to ski the climbing route which had shadier snow. Afterwards I traversed across to the shaded slopes by the shepherd's hut to hard snow which I kept all the way back to the car.
Conditions are a month in advance of a normal winter.
Weather: Warm, sunny
Access: Good
Country: France Area: Chartreuse Trailhead: Col De Porte
