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Haute Route Ski Mountaineering Tour March 24 –31, 2006
The Haute Route or high level ski tour from Chamonix France to Zermatt Switzerland is a spectacular ski traverse. Each day on the tour was challenging and strenuous due to high altitudes, long distances, varied snow conditions, and technical sections. There are many variations of this high level ski tours but all of the variations bring one into the high mountain regions of the Alps. During the 2006 season I had the opportunity to tour with a group of alumni from Middlebury College in Vermont. We chose to ski the Haute Route from Zermatt, Switzerland to Courmayer, Italy, the east to west variation. Are intent was to finish the last two days skiing from Courmayer to Chamonix via the Valley Blanche but unfortunately the weather turned and instead our group skied fresh powder at the local ski areas of Courmayer and Grand Montes. This trip was a success for all members of the group. There were many challenges along the way and we overcame them one at a time. The ski touring was great, the huts were warm and inviting, the food and wines were excellent. Many thanks to Richard, Jane, Bill, Jim and Ed for joining me on this trip.  The Matterhorn viewed from the Village of Zermatt  The Briethhorn from the top of Klein Matterhorn ski lift. This peak can be skied to the top on a day tour from the ski area. There are two groups nearing the summit in the photo.  Here we are starting the first section of the tour heading up to the bottom of Zmutt glacier. Our destination is the Schonbiel Hut which is across the valley from the Matterhorn  Wanda, the hut keeper is welcoming us to the Schonbiel Hut. Wanda prepared a delicious meal of soup, salad, chicken curry and butterscotch pudding.  The Matterhorn from a unique angle.  The Schonbiel Hut  Skinning up to the Col de Vallpeline. This was the start of a long day to Arrola. The tour was 19 kilometers, we climbed over two cols, then enjoyed a 3500 foot ski descent into town.  Great conditions at the col de Brule  This route variation allowed us to spend a night at the Hotel Glacier in the village of Arrola. It was a good rest, with great food and wine.  A 3500ft descent down the glacier to the Village of Arrolla  Skining up to the spectacular Vignettes Hut. The hut is perched along a spine of a ridge. Great views in all directions.  Ed and Art looking at maps for the next days tour to the Chanrion Hut. The glacier beyond is the normal Haute Route tour to Zermatt.  Jane is having a great time, skiing up to the Col de Brule. During this day we had the best snow conditions on our ski descents.  Our descent from portons to Brenay Glacier looked great but the skiing through breakable crust was difficult. We were happy to arrive on the Brenay Glacier for some smooth skiing on corn snow. We thought the tracks under our skis were from airplanes landing on the glacier.  Jim climbing up to col de Valpeline  The beautiful Chanrion Hut overlooking the Durand glacier and Mt Gele and Mt Avril behind.  Are we having fun yet! |
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Mooney Mountain Guides 638 Old Bristol Rd. ~ New Hampton, NH 03256 Phone: 603-744-5853 ~ Contact: art@mooneymountainguides.com |