A week earlier, Françoise and I had attempted the regular entrance, but it was really slabby, fracturing and cutting loose about 30cm deep. So, we skied the Combe de La Noire instead. Even there, we had to ski cut the top and ski the avy track to get into it.
This time, we had some trepidation as I had observed multiple fractures on the Toula Glacier the afternoon before. Since we were the first party on the line after the storm, we tested the snow and eased onto the powder before making heavy turns. It turned out the abundant snow was quite stable.
It was great skiing with Matteo and hearing stories through the eyes of a Courmayeur local, like how he was avalanched on the Toula couloir next to the stairs. Matteo is flying helis for the Italian military, but is looking to fly for rescue or skiing when he completes his service.
The snow was great and remained good down to the traverse left into the sun. Everyone was stoked.
A wee bit rocky to get into the couloir.
The South Face of the Dent du Géant... the big brother of the Marbrées.
The end of the rock garden is in sight!
Matteo surveys the scene. The 60kph wind continues loading the crest.
Françoise gets into the rhythm on her Dynafit Baltoro skis, but 84 underfoot means work in Italy.
Matteo demonstrates how to ski with 124 under foot....crush...crush...
Look at those fat boys edge that pow.
Nothing like a clean canvass!!!
jumpturn skis the ridge.
Our tracks are on the left. Mine are on the ridge. Need to teach Françoise to craft her turns, or least not mess up our sweet tracks before the photo...
We skied the forest exit and found some nice snow in the shade.
Higher resolution versions of the photos are available here.
