Suspense on Mont Blanc
An ascent full of suspense and twists for a neat hold-up on Mont Blanc.
With Marc, Andrea, Digi, Vincent, Estelle, Michel, Benoit, Marc, Claude & Raphael.
The weather looks mediocre, but Mont Blanc has been set as the culmination of the group's week of preparation. The chances of reaching the summit are slim. Let's go and see anyway...
The climb to the Tête Rousse hut is done between showers, but without a downpour before we arrive, phew!
The next day, after a morning watching the rain fall, we are close to deciding to go down when the forecast weather window opens up: go! We set off for the Goûter hut. Only Marc, who is not feeling well, goes down with Digi. The rock plastered with snow makes us climb in crampons.
Up there, the hut is very quiet; only three or four bold groups are there, uncertain about the next day. The forecasts disagree: some predict a gloomy morning, others good weather at altitude...
Wake-up at 2:30am: fog envelops the hut, but there's no precipitation and not too much wind. We try our luck. The atmosphere is magical in this fog by the light of our headlamps. The snow conditions are good; we move on. Ahead, a guide and his client are breaking trail in this beautiful fresh snow: thanks to them.
Arriving at Vallot, the group splits: Marc goes down with the two Quebecers, while Andrea and I decide to carry on given how well our companions are doing. Blue sky breaks through in the warm light of dawn.
The Bosses ridge doesn't give in easily, and it is in full wind that Vincent, Estelle and I climb this beautiful crest to touch the summit!
An exquisite moment, finding ourselves on the summit, alone, after an ascent full of suspense.
Well done to you for your determination. And who knows, maybe this adventure has given you a taste for other summits?
Photo gallery...