Areas where the snow situation is quite good and safe are not that close to Grenoble and so quite a drive is required. It gives time to wake up and to enjoy the sunrise. It also gives time to watch the car thermometer. And as close as we are from the start, it decreases. Inside car windows freeze whereas everything goes well on the heat side. And we finally end with a -15°C to start the walk. Prey not to be in the shade and wind for too long. Otherwise, it will be a very cold day.
We start in direction to the Epaule-de-Montplat. The beginning theorically follows the summer road which can be boring. We prefer to cut through fields. Let’s say that it is more bucolic. And it also enables us to see that the stones are not that far under the 10-20cm snow. The Sun finally breaks through. The view both on the Aiguilles d’Arve and the other side is so beautiful! When arrived at the foot of the real ascent, snow nivology does not really inspire us. We try to push further to climb through a less steep slope. But several “woofs” (sound announcing kind of a risk with the snow) make us leave the area. Quickly.
So we change the plan. A path in the snow seems to go to the Basse-du-Gerbier. The snow seems also better there. So we go. At the foot of the Aiguilles d’Arves and with more height: the view is so splendid. By going up and with the Sun, the atmosphere is good. But in the shadows of the mountains ans when the wind is there: it is not the same story.
Rapid descent. The snow is a little less thick than the day before which makes it more pleasant to me – easier to ski with my level. Back on the road, we can see 6 skiers that go down from our original plan. No regret on our side: the bottom was not in a good snow situation and a large strip of snow has gone right above the place within the day. Not that safe..
In short: another great day on the snow with amazing views!
