This is our last post from the mountains for this winter season and happily it has ended on a high as we spent two fabulous days touring the mountains with our guide Pierre. We had an early start on Thursday morning, somewhat hampered by the fact that it was so cold that my skins would not stick to my skis. Once in the sun we warmed them and thankfully the problem was solved. From Val d’Isère we headed towards the Refuge du Fond des Fours and then to the Col du Pisset, a long but beautiful climb to 2958m. From the Col we were afforded the most magnificent views down the pristine valley and descended in spring snow, a little tricky as sometimes it was more like water skiing. There was a real feeling of the start of spring as grass and wild flowers emerged from beneath the melting snow, as did hundreds of whistling, scampering marmots!
After eight hours of walking we arrived at the lovely Refuge de la Femma, nestled into the rocks that are alive with wildlife. Hurrah! We settled down on a bench in the sun to enjoy a well earned beer and were rewarded with a spectacular sight. A lammergeier or bearded vulture was perched on a rocky ledge right beside the hut. It took off gracefully and circled just above our heads, truly magnificent. Lammergeier are a near threatened species with only 14 breeding pairs in France. We have seen them circling high overhead in the mountains above Ste Foy, Tignes and Val d’Isere, but never one so close. Then at dusk another treat as a herd of bouquetin or alpine ibex wandered nonchalantly past the hut.
The next day was just as sunny and warm as we headed back up the valley to Col de la Rocheure at 2911m. The Col afforded us the most fantastic view, the top photo, of Mont Pourri, Mont Blanc and La Sassière. We descended between Mont Roup and Lorès back towards the classic Tour de Charvet to finish in Val d’Isère. Jonathan has made another video that captures the splendour of these vast pristine mountains – it’s very short!
Wow! We really enjoyed watching your latest video post, the conditions look fab and to have the mountains to yourselves must be… well such a wonderful experience. Love to you both K and G. Xx
Thanks. It was a great way to end the season. We are now back in England and sitting through quarantine. With luck we’ll be able to post a sailing blog in a week or two. Keep watching!