Rosablanche/Orsieres
Woke up early, packed our kit and headed for Verbier. Got the first gondola
from La Chaux, and after the usual messing around, splitting the board, putting
on skins and crampons, ascended Col de la Chaux, skinned around Bec des Rosses,
up to Col de Momin and then the final climb to Rosablanche (3336m, approx 5 hours).
A glorious panorama.
After the pain, now pleasure, perfect snow down the mountain and across
Grand Desert. The snow became sticky lower down and then the walk around Lac de Cleuson.
Finally through the forest to Siviez. Missed the last chair to Chaussoure, so 2 buses, 2 trains back to Orsieres!
Awesome day.
surfing down La Luette glacier
Point de Vouasson
La Luette/Arolla
After a day at Argentiere (overpriced/overcrowded) moved to Val d'Herens and a nice
hotel at Les Hauderes. The weather had been variable so far, but the meteo promised a few clear days.
Skinned up from Arolla to Cabane Dix (2928m) via the ladders of Pas de Chevres, stayed the night.
Next morning, set off at sunrise for La Luette (3369m). By midday reached the summit, breathtaking views
from Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn.
Best descent of the holiday, perfect powder snow, carving fresh tracks on the Luette glacier.
Final route of the holiday was to be Pigne d'Arolla, but the Cabane des Vignettes was booked solid,
so the hotelier suggested Cabane des Aig Rouges and the Point de Vouasson (3489m).
The trail to the cabane was long and strenous (approx 5 hours), but next morning was bright and
sunny and we reached the summit by 11, fantastic panoramic views. We were soon surfing down
Vouasson glacier (perfect snow!), over the col and past the cabane, finally through the forest and back to La Gouille.
Final day water boarding at Thyon 2000! and the long journey home.
