Alpine Logistics

Sunday morning the alarm went off. Our finger tips were still sore from the previous day’s climbing and it was a cold cloudy morning, so we opted for a change of plan and went in search of the sun. We headed towards the European capital of alpinism: Chamonix. 

We were pleased to see that, as requested, the sun was shining and it was as hot as any summer’s day. From Les Houches we took a narrow winding road up to a small agglomeration called Le Coupeau, which sits directly in front of Monte Bianco. We were heading for Aiguilette du Brevent; a very panoramic peak in the Aiguilles Rouges massif. To begin with the path winds its way up into a dense pine forest, which occasionally allows tantalising glimpses of the view through its boughs. Eventually we emerged from the trees and could enjoy the warmth of the sun and views onto Monte Bianco’s glaciers. 

After another hour we reached the top; a grassy ridge from which a unique panorama opens up: Aiguille d’Argentiere, Aiguille du Dru, Aig. du Blatier, Aig. du Midi, Mont Blanc du Tacul, Mont Maudit and finally the summit dome of Monte Bianco itself; basking in the sun at 4810m. With my zoom I was able to frame the rock fall which affected the Petite Dru several years ago. This mountain used to be a symbol of alpinism in this area but unfortunately it’s now considered very dangerous due to continued rock fall from its flanks. 

The view south and east (in the opposite direction to Monte Bianco) looks like something you might expect in the Dolomites, thanks to the area’s bizarre geology: the mass of granite forming Monte Bianco is a stones throw away from the limestone rocks of the Aravis massif. All this just to remind us that we are in one of nature’s best works of art: the Alps.  On the way back down we came across a group of four, bent double by the weight of their packs. They were making the most of the afternoon breeze to go for a spin with their paraglides: fantastic! What a great way to be able to end the day.