Col D'Argentiere + BBQ

Thurs 24th: First lifts with Tom Tom and Robyn up GM. In the car park I realised I'd forgotten my transceiver, for the first - and hopefully last - time ever. Discussed it with the others, the avvy risk was low, we were moving in safe(as it can be) terrain, the main danger being seracs not slides. Decided that I'd go back down if there was more snow than forecasted.

After the standard Rich + Robyn cable car comedy we got up to 15+cm of blower snow on top. Crazy soft. Decided to go for it with TT and Robyn keeping a close eye on me. Took the high traverse which was particularly stunning with the fresh layer of snow. It's always a little intimidating traversing under seracs the size of houses but man is that route scenic. The snow down to the basin was nothing too special but still fun to ski the untracked.

A photo can't capture the sheer size of these monsters

TT and I got the skins on and our skin out. It's the hottest I've ever felt it on the glacier as there was no wind whatsoever. With no top on it was perfect temperature until about 2/3rds of the way up where the wind started so the base layers came out. With a steady pace and only a few small stops we made it up in pretty good time. It was definitely the most scenic tour I've done; the views are just incredible. Even though its right next to the Col du Tour Noir it absolutely annihilates it for scenery. TT + Robyn said exactly the same.

Don't look over the edge...

TT and Robyn in front of les Courtes and l'Aiguille Verte

After a few photos we made our way down via the various aspects we'd scouted on the way up. 3-4 stunning turns of soft powder, 300m vert of HEAVY crust, then perfect spring corn all the way to the glacier. Fresh turns to be found everywhere. I chose a nice line through all the rocks to the bottom with no tracks anywhere near. A slow, sludgy exit and we were down.

The views kept coming

Another backdrop of les Courtes

The army touring up a lower col

Freshies down to the basin

Straight back home to change for Dan and Berty's BBQ. They put on an awesome spread. Delicious food, lots of good company and LOTS of drinking. A few games of Flipcup, Beer Pong and Touchcup got everyone well on their way. Then down to Monkey for free beers. Another in a long line of great days.

Winners!

Flip cup

Decent turnout!

Fantastic hosts!