Led by mountain guide Graham Frost we were looking for a taste of “slightly steeper” skiing in and around the Swiss village of Arolla.
Day one saw us grab the first drag lift out of Arolla and climb the Monts Rouges in bright sunshine. The southerly aspect made for a warm ascent – it proved to be the warmest climb of the week.
The snow on the on the north east facing descent was untracked and in good condition. A great start to the week.
A second drag lift took us to the top of the Arolla skiing. Lunch was a quick stop on the edge of the piste and then we were off again. A shorter climb took us to a col at 2,900 metres, just below La Roussette. That brought the day’s climbing up to the regulation 1,000 metres.
Another north east descent in very nice snow led to a couple of short, shady couloirs. We were able to choose between steep and steeper. The week was living up to its billing already.
Day Two
The plan for day two was to skin up the Glacier de Pièce towards the Vignette hut. The glacier was north facing so much cooler than yesterday – making for an easier climb.
Graham was confident that, just beyond the Col des Vignettes, we would enjoy good snow in the infrequently skied Glacier de Vuibé.
A much easier climb than the day before.
…but why would you want to go inside for your lunch?
The descent of the Vuibé was steep and tricky. Although shaded from the sun, the snow was seriously wind affected.
Day three ……
Ascent of the Palanche de la Cretta (2927 metres)
The climb went straight up from the road between Les Hauderes and Arolla.
We enjoyed an 800 metre descent from the summit on cold, light snow.
It was off to Nax on day four for some lift assisted laps on Mont Noble. The north and north east facing gullies were still in great condition. An “easy” 400 metre skin brought us back into the lift system after each lap.
Day five saw us climb to the summit of Mont de l’Etoile. The final 100 metres was completed on foot – how we enjoyed that!
For the first time in the week we skied a south facing slope. A little crisp just below the summit but after that, the spring snow was wonderful.
We enjoyed a fabulous descent through gnarly rock outcrops, gulleys and stream beds all the way back to Lac Bleu and the La Gouille café.
A big thanks to Graham, Paul and Janine for a truly wonderful week.
Stuart, a super summary of a great week. Many thanks.
I’ll dig out a few (very similar) photos once my camera’s fixed; it got bashed in my luggage… despite being well-wrapped in the ‘laundry’.
And likewise, tks to Frost Guiding, Evolene, CH.