Aiguille du Tour

Aiguille du Tour 3542 m - Patrick & Pascal

After having been trained in hiking during the summer I decided to improve my technical skills in escalading a rocky mountain with my friend who is particularly well aware of the potential danger of such activity.

We kicked off from the La Breya (above Champex-lac) then passed just below the hut of Orny along the glacier of Trient to reach its well known hut.

Arriving well before the supper we met an old friend of mine who intended to make the same ascension than us. After a couple of drinks we decided to make it together.
In an early morning we started our walk well equipped (rope, climbing-irons, and headlamp) through the glacier using winding path to avoid the deep crevasses. At this period of the year (end of summer) they are easily seen because the heavy layout of snow has disappeared due to higher temperature.

Reaching the bottom of the rock we started our ascent slowly but surely with our team of four.
Climbing through the rock is always for me something where I can build up confidence. In this case it was especially important as we intended to reach the summit of the Mont-Blanc the following week.

The climb went fine for me as I could grip on solid stones and find the way despite some narrow passages. One of our friends wasn’t so at ease although he managed to reach the top thanks to the help of Patrick.

This climb is quite popular as we were around 20 people at the top. Unfortunately the sky was not clear enough to enjoy a superb view.
It was an excellent preparation for our next adventure.

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