The summer season is now upon us and it has been an amazing start to the season so far.
After a fairly snowless winter season & a very warm spring for the first time in 4 years we have very little snow on the trails which is great news. During June we make our annual recce to key places on the Tour du Mont Blanc to see what the trail conditions are like so we can advise our clients that will arrive to trek early season.
16 June 2017 at the Col du Bonhomme: Small patches of snow on the way up to the Col above 2000m none of these pose a problem and no specialist kit is required.
Below the Col du Bonhomme |
Between the Col du Bonhomme and Col de Croix de Bonhomme small patches of snow on the traverse, care needs to be taken when crossing the snow patches in case if a slip or fall.
Col du Fours: there is still a fair amount of snow on either side of the Col, on the Ville des Glaciers side of the Col where the ground is steeper care needs to be taken as the snow extends from the Col at 2665m to approx 2000m.
Walking poles are advised when crossing or descending on large areas of snow cover.
Col du Seigne: Patches of snow on the lead up to the Col & on the Italian side.
20 June 2017 Grand Col Ferret: Small patches of snow in the gullies leading up to the Refuge Elena but none of these pose a problem. No snow on the trail leading up to the Col. Some snow on the Swiss side but as the descent is more gentle these done pose a problem.
Grand Col Ferret |
Col du Bonhomme from the Plan des Dames |
Fenetre d’Arpette is not advised until a few weeks in to July due to the steep terrain epithet side of the Col.
Bovine route between Champex & Trient is snow free as with the Col du Balme. Snow still lies in north facing slopes & in shady spots.
Enjoy!