Chatting over climbing ideas with Joel, he suggested a one day bin-to-bin ascent of the Frendo Spur. I wasn’t sure this was the most sensible idea. Chamonix was in the midst of a scorching heatwave and whilst the rock would be dry, making for quick and fun climbing in the lower section, the snow and…
I’m lucky to live in Chamonix. Home to many world class climbing routes with quick and easy access, its a climbing mecca. The problem is everyone knows this. As a result, climb one of Cham’s popular classic in the summer and you’ll often find yourself jostling for position with several other parties. This can detract from the experience to say…
A couple of months ago I wrote down a short list of alpine routes that I wanted to climb this spring. Top of the list was Eugster Direct, an aesthetic 1000m line straight up the north face of the Aiguille du Midi. Yesterday, Pat and I went to give it a go. We arrived at the…
I can’t quite remember when it last snowed in Chamonix, but it’s been a while. At least two weeks. Probably closer to three. This has left a lot of ski lines in pretty so-so conditions, particularly in the high mountains where some strong winds have stripped the snow off many faces. As a result I’ve…
Tim Oliver Alpinist 