5 of us set off from the Aiguille du Midi down the ridge and on to the “tourist route” Valle Blanche. We managed to walk straight on to the lift and the ridge was not busy. There were a few guided groups heading off which we managed to pass on the ridge without too much difficulty.
Transferring to climbing skins under Mont Blanc du Tacul we traversed the crevasses and headed up to the top of the new Skyway lift from Courmayeur.
The descent was mixed with fantastic snow to start with which lower down had developed a slight crust. Rather than traversing the glacier to join the classic Vallee Blanche route we stayed skiers right on the glacier for the Vallee Noire. Fantastic snow with some bumps but largely filled in down to the Salle a Manger. The get out at the Ice Caves for the stairs involved a 5 minute walk as the snow had disappeared at the lower levels but well worth the trip.
The coffee was great!!! Down in time for a beer at Elevation too – thank you Patrick!
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- Vallee Blanche
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- Crevasse
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- Breezy touring past crevasses
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- Ski Touring
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- Ski from the top of the Skyway
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- Well deserved beer
