Page 19 - 1995 Mountaineering Club Bulletin

Traverse o f the Col des Fours (2976m) and the Col Pers, and down to the Refuge de Prariond.
The snow of the previous afternoon and evening had cleared, and it was in darkness that we left the refuge to climb steeply up
to the Col des Fours (2976m), arriving there shortly after day­ break. The first 50m off the Maurienne side of the col is steep, and we side-slipped before reaching slightly easier ground. Then, perhaps, the best skiing of the trip as we swooped noiselessly down the Glacier de la Jave, through the fresh powder, to the Pont de la Neige (2528m). The team then traversed below the Col de l’lseran and climbed up past the still deserted ski-lifts which form the upper part of the Val d’lsere complex and up to the Col Pers (3009m).
By now we were joined by the first of the skiers from Val d’lsere who had gained their height in a far less creditable fashion, hun­ gry for the powder we had already enjoyed in complete seclusion! But there was plenty for all on the off-piste run down to the Refuge de Prariond (2324m), and again we had a superb ski in the fresh powder. We had moved extremely well this morning, and arrived at the shortly after 1100. In complete contrast to those we had used previously, the Refuge de Prariond is all too accessible from Val d’lsere and so is busy with downhill skiers who just stop off for lunch. Eventually, however, though these people drifted off and the refuge was left to the mountaineers. Distance covered 11km.
Wednesday 12 April
The ascent o f the Pointe de la Galise (3343m).
It proved difficult (no, impossible!) to negotiate breakfast before 0700. By our standards, therefore, we had a late start, leaving the refuge at 0720. The line following the Ruisseau du Niolet was straightforward enough, but the snout of the Glacier de Bassagne was very steep indeed, and called for some delicate and exposed side-stepping in places. Certainly no place to un-stick! We arrived on the glacier in early morning sunshine, and it was then a gentle climb onto the summit of the Pointe de la Galise (3343m). Again, we were moving extremely well. Guide-book time for the ascent is 3 hours, we were on the top in 21/2, and hadn’t been trying to break any records.
We spent 30 mins on the summit, enjoying the sunshine and the magnificent views across the Vanoise and down into Italy. By the time we set off again, the snow had softened and the ski back to the refuge was absolutely fantastic. Such was our confidence, that the steep glacier snout passed in a couple of linked turns! The ascent and descent had taken a total of 4 hours! Almost embarrassing. Distance covered 6km.
Thursday 13 April
The return to Bonneval.
Again, the earliest breakfast we could negotiate was 0700 but, like the day before, we were packed and ready to go before sitting down to eat. To our consternation, however, the cloudless sky of the previous 12 mornings had deserted us; the cloud level was dropping rapidly towards us, and it was snowing.
Things were not looking good as we set off from the refuge, and it was decided to retrace our steps over the Col Pers rather than traverse the Col du Montet, Glacier du Montet, and Col de l’Ouille Noire. Now in a complete white-out, and with snow falling heavily, we struggled up the steep slope out of the valley, the fresh snow making the going extremely difficult. Navigation was not easy, but with the difficult ground behind us the cloud suddenly lifted to reveal the required col dead ahead. Much relief all round!
By the time we reached Col Pers the sun had broken through and the weather was clearing rapidly. To drop down to the Pont de la Neige from Col Pers would have committed us to a very unpleasant ski along the road below avalanche prone slopes so we climbed past the ski lifts and up onto the ridge to the North of the Col de l’Ouille Noire. From here, and in spite of the few remaining clouds, we enjoyed great views across the Haute Maurienne, and the route we had taken what seemed so very long ago.
From the ridge we skied South across the Glacier de l’Ouille Noire, below the Pointe des Arses, and then West towards the Pont de l’Ouiette. The skiing was perfect in the newly fallen powder, but as we turned the corner onto South facing slopes and dropped below 2000m we hit porridge. The last few hundred metres into Bonneval was very heavy going indeed, but at least we were able to ski all the way to the Refuge des Arses ... not a real one, but a cafe serving excellent beer and crepes!
Once back at the Gite d’Etape, our gear was handed in and we packed for the journey home. After a great shower there was a splendid evening meal with one or two celebratory bottles of wine! Distance covered 11km.
Friday 14 April
Easter Friday and the return journey to UK.
Departing at 0800, we made good progress up through France, and the extra time gained was spent constructively in a hyper­ market near Le Havre. Catching the overnight ferry the team made it back to Portsmouth at 0700, we said our fond farewells and then went our separate ways.
And so, a perfect end to a highly successful expedition which fully satisfied its declared aims, and those of Adventurous Training. No days were lost through bad weather and this meant a full 11 days in the mountains, during which about 70 miles had been covered on skis with over 10,000 m of climbing. This also meant over 10,000 m ofsuperb off-piste down-hill skiing, mostly in powder or spring snow. Hard work, yes, but tremendous fun and an unforgettable experience even for the few old-hands-at- the-game on this year’s trip.
ANNUAL BULLETIN
THE ROYAL NAVY & ROYAL MARINES MOUNTAINEERING CLUB
17
James Grant