Chamonix area backcountry tour

For our last days skiing we got very lucky with the weather as it was forecast to be unsettled for 3-4 days onwards. Unsure what to do initially (so much choice) we finally settled on an out and back tour from Le Buet to the Col de Berard at 2469m.

In the cold forest

Just about to hit the sun

First view of the col

We decided there wasn't a rush and arrived at the heaving (and full) carpark fairly promptly at 8.30am (how had this happened). After a little faffing we ended up being the last people to leave on touring kit.... which initially seemed a bad sign, but ultimately was very positive and worked for us all day.

Dave makes a bee line for the col (lowest point above him)

Skinning up through the forest in the shade was a little foreboding because the path resembled a stunt luge track and I wasn't sure it I would survive the descent of it later in the day.

Rest point with views to the valley we had come from behind

Bandana man.... (jealous it seems to work!)

Gaining height, breaking free of the trees and entering the hot bright sunshine in this beautiful valley was brilliant and even though we could see odd parties away in the distance (specks) it felt like we had the valley to ourselves (well kind of!).

The col when we arrived - busy..... grrr

Higher and higher we went, and tiny skiers could be seen shooting off in all directions for summits and cols..... the final pull up to our col after 4 hours was tricky on dry loose snow.

And 5 minutes later just us there - amazing

On arrival it was like a busy circus at the col, with maybe 10-12 people there, but within 10 minutes they had all gone (leaving a set of poles behind) leaving Dave and I to have food and soak in the atmosphere - It is a great spot with amazing views of the mountains all around.

Dave drops in

Dave enjoying the ride....

Well feeling slightly nervous (me) we stripped the skins, clipped into the ski's, locked the heel down and blasted back the way we had come. the snow was FANTASTIC, and I laughed as I headed down, turn after turn in the soft snow.

Throwing shapes (not sure exactly what) :-)

We occasionally stopped to drink it in before carrying on, but it was all over way too quickly, even with the sketchy luge finish. What had taken 4 hours up, took only 1 hour to descend the 1100+ m.

A very memorable day (hence all the pictures!!) -  this is why I learnt to ski!