Alpine Summer (part 2)

After our ascent of Mont Vorassay, we had a few other good walks from our base at St. Nicolas de Veroce.

One day we drove up the valley beyond Les Contamines-Montjoie, took the cable car up to L'Etape (1470m), then on up to Le Signal (1900m).  


From there, an easy walk up to the Col du Joly (2000m), with superb views to the Mont Blanc massif:

Cat and I continued up to the Tete de Roselette, then up some rougher paths across boulder fields and snow patches to the Col de la Fenetre (left and below), which had a real mountain feel, away from the day tripping tourists.


Unfortunately, we had to retrace our steps, but it would be worth returning another time and exploring further.

The following day, a very hazy and hot day, we walked from Le Bettex up to Mont d'Arbois - but on gravel paths all the way, and with a stop for ice creams and drinks at Hotel Chez La Tante at the highest point!  Hardly mountaineering!


Les gorges de la Diosaz was a spectacular low level walk, with wooden walkways above dramatic waterfalls and cliffs.

Our final day dawned bright and clear, so we drove up to Chamonix, and took the cable car up to Plan de l'Aiguille.  A nice way to ascend 1300m in 8 minutes.  Now, according to Naismith's rule, that would be about 2.5 hours!  


From there, we followed the Grand Balcon Nord path along to Montenvers.  Lovely path (left), with spectacular views.

At Montenvers, we descended to the glacier (Mer de Glace) in a bizarre cable car - each cabin was like a traditional red phone box!   


The glacier had certainly retreated since I was last there, back in 1973!


We admired the views, but decided against climbing the Dru (right) - I know my limits!




(written 13/01/10)