Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Aiguilles d'Entreves Traverse Italy France

Aiguilles d'Entreves Traverse  Italy. France, Aosta, Chamonix

Rock climbing the ridge in Italy right up from Graie Alps Aiguille d'Entrèves

Location: Valle d'Aosta / Haute Savoie, France/Italy

The views of the Tour Ronde, the south side of Mont Blanc du Tacul and the Brenva face on Mont Blanc are exceptional

Aiguilles d'Entreves Traverse  Italy. France, Aosta, Chamonix

One of my favorite climbs in Italy/France is the Aiguille d'Entrèves Traverse. Here we are with our guide almost to the summit at 11:30AM

Aiguilles d'Entreves Traverse  Italy. France, Aosta, Chamonix

We started our journey by car at 6:30AM from Chamonix, through the Mount Blanc Tunnel to our final destination in the car-park in Entrèves near Courmayeur. From Entrèves we took a series of cable cars from La Palud to Punta Helbronner.

Aiguilles d'Entreves Traverse  Italy. France, Aosta, Chamonix
Car Park for cable car La Palud - Italy

Transportation is expensive so bring lots of euros. One car in Mont Blanc Tunnel: one-way: €40.90, return: €51.00. The cable car ride up is 38€ round-trip per person.

Aiguilles d'Entreves Traverse  Italy. France, Aosta, Chamonix

We exit the cabin / cable car and start our short hike at (3470 m) to the gate.

Aiguilles d'Entreves Traverse  Italy. France, Aosta, Chamonix

Here is the end of the pedestrian walkway and the gate to start walking on the snow. At this point you'll need to put on your gear and rope into each other.

You need a climbing harness, rope, crampons for the snow/ice, ice axe, walking polls, backpack with layers for weather, sunglasses, sunblock, food, water and chocolate. Our guide had the more technical climbing tools.

Aiguilles d'Entreves Traverse  Italy. France, Aosta, Chamonix

Views are amazing in the valley and along the hike. The weather was perfect for us, too. You should be in good physical shape to do this alpine hike.

Aiguilles d'Entreves Traverse  Italy. France, Aosta, Chamonix

The guide we hired for 150.00€ each and was well worth it since he had all the climbing tools. It's a 1.5 hour hike on snow to the start of the climb. The approach does not normally present technical difficulties, but the glacier is crevassed and roped travel is highly recommended.

Aiguilles d'Entreves Traverse  Italy. France, Aosta, Chamonix

Camping overnight must be very cold - we saw about 4 to 5 tents along our hike.

Aiguilles d'Entreves Traverse  Italy. France, Aosta, Chamonix

Views of the valley while hiking - looking towards France

Aiguilles d'Entreves Traverse  Italy. France, Aosta, Chamonix

Views in the valley: Tour Ronde, Mont Blanc, Grande Capucin, Pyramid du Tacul, and Mont Maudit to the Tour Ronde and Grand Capucin

Aiguilles d'Entreves Traverse  Italy. France, Aosta, Chamonix

Views in the valley with tents: Tour Ronde, Mont Blanc, Grande Capucin, Pyramid du Tacul, and Mont Maudit to the Tour Ronde and Grand Capucin

Aiguilles d'Entreves Traverse  Italy. France, Aosta, Chamonix

Take the crest of the ridge either at the col or further left with easy scramble. Here we start the climb with our guide.

Aiguilles d'Entreves Traverse  Italy. France, Aosta, Chamonix

This is considered and 'easy' climb with a head for heights. I would say it is 5.7 rating and we were able to climb in our hiking boots.

Aiguilles d'Entreves Traverse  Italy. France, Aosta, Chamonix

Looking back at where we were climbing with an epic view of the Italian alps in the background.

Aiguilles d'Entreves Traverse  Italy. France, Aosta, Chamonix

Follow the ridge to the summit. There is a easy downclimb right before going back up to the summit.

Aiguilles d'Entreves Traverse  Italy. France, Aosta, Chamonix

From the Aiguille d'Entrèves see the "Dent du Géant" in the background.

Aiguilles d'Entreves Traverse  Italy. France, Aosta, Chamonix

Sitting on the ridge of the Aiguilles d'Entreves Traverse waiting for his friends

Aiguilles d'Entreves Traverse  Italy. France, Aosta, Chamonix

Taking a break while wait for the other climbers to continue forward... It was a busy day with lots of people on the ridge. Sometimes we had a traffic jam. Self photo of my hiking boots 

Aiguilles d'Entreves Traverse  Italy. France, Aosta, Chamonix

Summit of Aiguilles d'Entreves. The most interesting climbing is just before the summit where a few easy but very exposed belayed pitches,  then lead climb the tiny summit blocks.

Aiguilles d'Entreves Traverse  Italy. France, Aosta, Chamonix

Hiking on the side of the ridge of the Aiguilles d'Entreves.

Aiguilles d'Entreves Traverse  Italy. France, Aosta, Chamonix

After summit, there is the start of the belayed downclimbing

Aiguilles d'Entreves Traverse  Italy. France, Aosta, Chamonix

Descent down the east ridge is mostly easy, but starts with some belayed downclimbing

Aiguilles d'Entreves Traverse  Italy. France, Aosta, Chamonix

More photos with beautiful views of Italy and France

Aiguilles d'Entreves Traverse  Italy. France, Aosta, Chamonix

More photos of climbing

Aiguilles d'Entreves Traverse  Italy. France, Aosta, Chamonix

Photos from the Aiguilles d'Entreves

Aiguilles d'Entreves Traverse  Italy. France, Aosta, Chamonix

Finally we drop down on the glacier and have lunch

Aiguilles d'Entreves Traverse  Italy. France, Aosta, Chamonix

Typical French climbing food. I cut the bread and the meat before packing it the night before. I forgot to slice the cheese, but it's easily broken off into small pieces. Not shown is my massive bar of chocolate I purchased at the Casino market in downtown Chamonix. Chocolate bars are used in place of 'power bars' and they tasted better, too

Aiguilles d'Entreves Traverse  Italy. France, Aosta, Chamonix

After lunch, we start the hike back to the cable car Punta Helbronner to La Palud. Make sure you do not lose your round trip lift ticket. You don't want to pay twice.

Aiguilles d'Entreves Traverse  Italy. France, Aosta, Chamonix

Water break and photo time now that we can slow down. Our guide was on fire!

Aiguilles d'Entreves Traverse  Italy. France, Aosta, Chamonix

Hiking back

Aiguilles d'Entreves Traverse  Italy. France, Aosta, Chamonix

More photos while hiking back with my team mate

Aiguilles d'Entreves Traverse  Italy. France, Aosta, Chamonix

Cable car in view. About 1.5 hour walk back in beautiful weather. I can't wait to return and do this hike again.

Aiguilles d'Entreves Traverse  Italy. France, Aosta, Chamonix

Louisa (me) with the "Dent du Géant" in the background

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The office to book a guide is situated in Chamonix town centre next to the church. The office is on the first floor of the "Maison de la Montagne".  Open everyday 09:00-12:00 and 15:00-18:00

You can book all tours there and meet the guides the night before your adventure.

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