When the overnight clouds parted on the Chamonix Valley this morning they revealed 30cms of fresh snow and mountains plastered down to 2500m. A pristine feel returned to the faces and glaciers around the valley as fresh tracks were put in and ridges cleared of snow.

Gavin and I enjoyed some fine snowed up granite mixed climbing on the short Chamonix classic, the 'Cosmiques Arete'. Whi... more>

Three weeks of warm and sunny alpine weather has made it's mark on climbing conditions across the Western Alps. Rock routes, even at the highest altitude became totally dry and snow free whilst some of the glaciers and classic easy snow ascents became awkward icy challenges.

Many teams have been out making the most of the warm, stable weather and in the last few weeks I've climbed the... more>