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.