mvs Posted May 6, 2009 Share Posted May 6, 2009 Trip: Aiguille du Midi, Chamonix - Cosmique Arete Date: 5/1/2009 Trip Report: I got to be a tourist in Chamonix for a few days and I wanted to share one special short trip with you guys. My friend was feeling ill but blue sky drew me up high like a moth to a flame. Up high, in style, that is: [img:center]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3317/3503287431_fc22fe68ab.jpg[/img] Then I got on the Cosmique Arete with loads of amazing scenery. [img:center]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3409/3504086892_aff75ab124.jpg[/img] This spot here was really exciting [img:center]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3311/3503274083_8166d23b97.jpg[/img] Then there was a rock climbing crux, maybe 5.7 in crampons? I self-belayed on this one. Note the poor style of this guy...at least I didn't use my KNEES! Some more fun climbing near the end: Then I was done. Back among the bored tourists. Remind me never to go anywhere "just to go." I looked back on the ridge for a while and tried to feel really broody and alpine: I'm glad I got the chance to do this route, which is apparently extremely popular in summer. If you are there, take just a little gear and do it in winter/spring! Gear Notes: Crampons, one ice tool, a couple of nuts and slings. A 50/60 meter rope for a couple of rappels and for protection in 2-3 places. Approach Notes: I post-holed through the Col du Midi, taking about 30 minutes from the lift station to the start of the climb. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
olyclimber Posted May 6, 2009 Share Posted May 6, 2009 cool! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CollinWoods Posted May 7, 2009 Share Posted May 7, 2009 I remember my old teacher showing us a slide show of him doing this back in the day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Off_White Posted May 7, 2009 Share Posted May 7, 2009 Nice Michael, thanks for giving us a taste from one of our European correspondents! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stefan Posted May 7, 2009 Share Posted May 7, 2009 great michael. I really like how your camera catches the blue in the sky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waterboy Posted May 8, 2009 Share Posted May 8, 2009 Thanks for the TR - I did that climb a couple of weeks ago while in Chamonix. The Cosmiques is definitely a classic that lived up to everything I hoped it would be. On the tram ride up I ran into Colin Haley - got to talk with him for a bit. While in Cham we also got the chance to ski the Vallee Blanche a few times, and to climb the Goulotte Chere (twice!) Chere was defintely in, but at a "D" rating I thought the ratings were very easy compared to the North Cascades. Glad you had a good trip! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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