La Grand Casse
Tim Burton high on the Grand Casse, Vanoise National Park, France
Timing was critical the next day to ensure a good ski off La Grand Casse (3855m), descend too early and it would be rock hard, too late and it would be like skiing through a slush puppy! We got it just about right, arriving on the summit just after 1pm, after the team used different techniques to ascend the long steep section, each striving to find the most efficient way to travel. I think booting got the edge over following the shallow icy skiing track this time!
The descent was fantastic and over all too soon. We had great spring snow all the way back to the hut, and I would rank it up there as one of the best ski peaks in the Alps. (See video footage)
The following day we continued our journey back across the high plateau, through the Col du Dard and up to the Dome de Chasseforet (3586m). Once again we were provided with a wonderful descent, initially off the north face, and on down to the Refuge de l’Arpont.
The hut was right on the snow line and provided some of the team with a venue for afternoon bouldering: others for a snooze in the sun.
As we took our ski boots off in Aussois, I had an underlying feeling that they would not be going on again this season. Temperatures were soaring, the snow was melting and it was time to head south and go bolt clipping!
