I'd wanted to drive up to the summer parking so only climb 400 meters but the road has been closed as they don't want drivers using it during the winter. They've cut a tree down to make it difficult to pass. So it was on foot from les Pres. I've not walked much these last couple of years, I'm a bit walked out and there isn't time for every sport during the summer but I still managed to turn on the afterburner and climb to the Croix de l'Alpe in just over an hour. 800 meters of vertical, more or less. Interestingly my cycling, ski touring and walking speeds all seem to be similar.
The last section of path just below the col was snow and ice covered but it was possible to walk side. It did look icy when I crossed a couple coming down sliding all over the place. There was very little snow up on the plateau at 1800 meters, I was quite surprised and imagine things will get worse before they get better. I must make it back at the end of spring when the road opens to check things out.
Weather: Warm 10C at 1500 meters
Access: Road closed after the village of les Pres
Country: France Area: Chartreuse Trailhead: Les Prés
