Western traverse of the Grandes Aiguilles de l'Argentière
A very aesthetic airy crest in spring conditions above a beautiful sea of clouds.
With Alexander
Alexander, a fan of ridge routes, had not yet done the very beautiful western traverse of the Grandes Aiguilles de l'Argentière in the Belledonne massif.
The approach is snowy from 2200m. Although this spares us a tedious boulder field, the refreeze, just insufficient, gives us a filling early-morning workout... But the morning mists tear open to offer a beautiful view from the Aiguilles d'Arves to the Meije.
This traverse is one of the prettiest in Belledonne. It crosses five spires with difficulties not exceeding IV. Moving together on a short rope is the most fluid technique for progressing safely on this type of terrain.
At the moment, the still slightly mixed conditions make us keep our crampons on. A beautiful sea of clouds settles in, reinforcing the feeling of a route in mid-sky.
One last break on the summit of the final spire, then we are swallowed by this sea at high tide, which marks the time to go down.
A beautiful day of spring mountaineering. Thank you, Alex!
Photo gallery...