Moving into March, with much more stable snow conditions, we set out on a tour to summit le Génépi in the Massif du Mont Blanc. After great snow fall in February, then a long period of sunshine, we knew it had to be a north face, and a steep one at that, hence we chose the NE coulouir of le Génépi as our descent. As ever here is a route description accompanied by some beautiful photos taken by Pierre. By car, drive in the direction of Champex d'en Bas, parking in the tiny hamlet of La Poya (1275m). Follow the forest path through Plan de l'Au in the direction of la Djure. From here pass to the right heading up a steep slope above the limit of the forest (Ski crampons advised if spring conditions prevail). From here continue to skin up the ridge until the gentle slopes of Chaux de Bovine. The terrain then kicks up as you continue S towards lac du Dru. Contiune up the ridge to gain the summit via the SW ridge. Attach skis to your pack before climbing a short section of grade III mixed terrain (Rope advised for those less sure on their feet, or used to climbing with a full pack after a 5 hour skin!) After a quick snack on the summit, we set off on the best descent of the season so far, entering the couloir on a slope of more than 45 degrees, before the couloir opened up. The snow was heavy but still super cold making for a glorious ski down, with a great atmosphere. Olly drops in! Le Génépi was a great day out and well worth the 5 hour skin up for such a fabulous descent back down to Champex. One thing is for sure, we will be back!
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Despite, having skinned up a couple of times in the area surrounding Verbier, La Para was the first serious touring objective of the 2016 season. I was lucky to be invited by Terry Ralphs, a full IFMGA British mountain guide with an outstanding career to date (www.mountain-guide.co.uk), and his friend Pierre Starobinski, an aspirant guide within the Swiss Mountain Guide Association. I got an early night and arrived in the Alpes Vaudoises before daybreak, ready to learn a thing or two from these highly experienced skiers and mountaineers. What follows is a route description with photos, to give you a glimpse into the world of ski touring if it's something you are not familiar with, or if you are a seasoned tourer, it will serve as great topo for a future trip! The summit of La Para just coming into view By car, follow the road to Château-d'Oex at Col des Mosses, until you reach the hamlet of Etivaz. Proceed on the generally snow plowed road, along a river bank. Park in a small parking area 3km from l'Etivaz. Follow the path along the river to chalet of Pâquier Mottier (1375m). Continue along this valley until you reach La Molair (1528m). Contiue to climb SSW until you reach the Col de Seron (2153m). Climb in a W direction towards the avalanches barriers, and then on to the summit at 2456m. The ridge the summit is home to a large cornice that increases in size throughout the winter and spring season to a height of over 8m. Be sure to leave a large safety margin. The descent is via the same route. It was a well deserved summit, having cut a fresh track the whole way. Olly and Terry taking in the view from the summit As for the ski down, well i'll let the photo below explain... One track up, one track down La Para was a spectacular day out. I will be back very soon.
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