SKI TOURING IN CHAMONIX

At 9.20am, we're at the top of the Floria ski lift, preparing our skins, checking our avalanche transceivers, choosing the right number of layers to make sure we're neither too hot nor too cold... All this surrounded by several groups of friends, guides and ski mountaineers ready for the day.

First joint effort: the climb to the Col des Aiguilles Crochues (2700m). Easy to get to and with several routes to the summit, we're not surprised that the track has already been made and it's perfect for the morning's 300D+.

Once we reach the pass, a few photos and we take off the sealskins. The different groups look at each other and ask "who's going where, how many of you are there, what route(s) were mapped out yesterday?

The first group to reach the summit decided to climb to the tip of Alphonse Favre. There were a lot of them, so we decided to leave them behind. The other group, led by a guide, had already set off further down without waiting.
 

Having prepared our hike the day before, we followed our first decision. We set off in the direction of the Combe de l'Envers de Bérard. The snow was powdery but lightly blown. The excitement was starting to build in the group: sculling contests and games with the terrain. All the ingredients for a magnificent day. The descent to the Combe was made in the tracks of the previous coulées, a reminder to everyone to be careful.

On the way we pass the group with the guide preparing to do the Col de Crochu. After a glance at the ridge of the Aiguille de Bérard, we noticed that only two hikers had chosen this route and made the track. No need to consult each other, our whole group heads for the bottom of the combe to reach the start of the trace. And just for fun, we're in full sunshine.

We then doubled up with 350D+, because theoretically the higher you go the further you descend!

The first 100m are spent in a wide, fairly steep couloir, while the rest of the climb becomes gentler. The long final ridge gives us a magnificent view of the Massif des Fiz.

Before making the final crossing in the shade to reach the Brèche Bérard, we took a short break in the sun to have a drink and take some photos, as the terrain was splendid.

It's only 11am, so there's no question of going back down to the valley straight away to finish eating our sandwiches on the train home. After consultation, the decision was unanimous: we still wanted to ski!

We then descend on the west side to reach the bottom of the Envers de Salenton to climb the Col of the same name.

Even before starting the descent, I set off with the bravest skiers to climb the couloir with skis behind me, in order to save 3 bends and above all for the view of the Vallon de Bérard.

The descent to the back of Salenton via the slopes of Montjus mountain is made in very cold snow. The slopes are playful, with a few rocky bars that are easy to get round. It's a tough choice between taking advantage of a longer descent or crossing to the right and reducing the time it takes to climb to the Col de Salenton. I chose the intermediate option, took advantage of part of the descent and put my skins back on half way down so as not to have to climb back up too much.

Go for it! Another 325D+ in a gentle, sunny valley!

On this climb, the gaps widen, the sun beats down hard, my legs become heavy and I have the impression that my equipment weighs more than it did in the early morning. When we reached the pass, there was a lot of joking and a good-natured atmosphere: the "real" hikers had eaten their lunch, while the freeriders were just taking off their shoes... We'll talk more about that on the way down!

The group's guide (in repose) suggests some Génépi, apparently it's a custom...

Sandwiches finished, cameras put away, skis on: the tension starts to build. Soon we're off on an 800m descent, with 30cm of virgin powder.

Who goes first? You size each other up, you hesitate... The most experienced takes the plunge, does a dozen sculling turns, lifts the baton and that's the signal: the wild animals are unleashed! Everyone gives a little shout of joy, "pass to the right" "to the left" "now you can jump..." what a joy!

Once we reach the bottom of the Vallon, the smiles are already shared, as we head for Le Buet station to catch the train home. Congratulations, smiles and high fives...

That's how we've "made our way"!

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