Tête de la Combaz 25

It had snowed a bit during the week but it was again warm. This seems to be a recurring theme this year. The way up was fine through the forest and after the Auberge de Colombaz it started to really heat up. It was south facing all the way up. A quick change of skins about 300m from the top and that was that.

We only saw three other parties all day and this route is normally well frequented, which probably reflected the condition it was in. Our rather late start meant the slope had been in the direct sun all morning and the snow was destroyed. A quick photo at the top and to the descent. The snow was poor, but enjoyable nonetheless. We encountered one group waiting on a helicopter with a guy lying in the recovery position. I asked if all was ok and they said it was ok and kindly asked us to leave, so we duly did so. Ten minutes later we saw the helicopter flying low over the valley.

A tasty muffin and a coffee at the bottom in Bol d’air and we were back in time for the Osasuna match. They even managed a draw against Madrid, not a bad day’s work.

Way up missing a bit of snow

South to the Montjoie

Dome de Miage

Looking north to Mont Joly from Tete de la Combaz

Panorama of the Aravis

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Col de la Fenetre and Col de la Cicle

Ever since buying the apartment in les Contamines the Col de la Fenetre has become our go to outing on the skis. The conditions didn’t look promising but in the end were quite ok. The pace was strong and we charged up the Col de la Fenetre. A quick snack and then a romp the couloir behind the Tete de la Circle with some tight kick turns.

The northern side of the Col de la Cicle feels intimidating from below, but the snow was firm and enjoyable to ski down.

Even with 2km of skating we arrived in plenty of time to watch Scotland get horsed against Ireland in the Six Nations.

It felt like a long day, definitely not used to these big days on the skis at the moment.

Stats:

Depart 09h35, Summit:13h39, parking 15h15

18.7km 1352m+

View south over to Lacs Jovets and Col du Bonhomme

Mont Blanc massiv from Col de la Fenetre

High treaverse off the Col de la Fenetre

Steep skin up to the col

Mont Blanc and Val Montjoie from Col de la Cicle

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Col de la Fenetre

A nice hop up to the Col de la Fenetre. Conditions not as nice as expected.

Stats:

Depart 10h48, Summit:13h00, parking 14h07

13.84 km 1064m+

Aiguille de la Berangere through the forest

Views towards Aiguille Croche from Col de la Fenetre

Mont Blanc massive

Bois de Rollaz and the decent back up the valley

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Tête de la Combaz

16.12.2024

Not a huge amount to say about this one. We arrived in les Contamines at around 10am with the idea of doing Tête de la Combaz. I had endured the obligatory end of year parties on the Thursday and Friday before the weekend, but it was safe to say that I was not on the best of form. I was tired and not massively motivated for the outing.

We arrived in Contamines at 09h30 and had a tight deadline to be back at the car by 13h45 at the latest. It was cold in the valley, probably around -1 °C or -2°C but we knew it wouldn’t last. The snow line was higher than expected and we had to walk almost 350m+ before we put the skis on.

Putting the skis on finally at 1550m

From the minute the skis went on it was hot. My motivation wasn’t high but we endeavoured on, still holding on to a glimpse of hope that the top might be attainable. Alas, 12h15 came- the turnaround time- and we still had 300m+ to do.

So it was skins off and we began descending. The snow was indeed poor. A mixture of the hot temperatures and the rain from the previous week had rendered it horrible but at least there was something. This time last year it was almost 20°C and the hills were brown.

We reached the Auberge de la Combaz and took the skis off. All that was left was a pleasant wander back to the car and a quick coffee in the town before a house viewing.