La Tour Ronde North Face

After a leisurely start we took the lift up to the Aiguille du Midi and made the fearful descent down the ridge to the Col du Midi. Our plan was to acclimatise today in readiness for tomorrow’s big adventure, so we walked across towards the Torino hut via Point Lanchenal. The sun was scorching and we were quite exhausted by the time we got to the hut.

Setting off from the Torino Hut

After only a few hours sleep, thanks to snoring Spaniards, we left the hut before the sun had risen and started the walk to the base of the North Face of La Tour Ronde.

Sunrise

The wind was blowing strongly and there was almost as much spin-drift as you’d find on a good day in the finest Scottish gullies. Un-perturbed we geared up and crossed the bergschrund. The climbing wasn’t technically demanding, perhaps Scottish V in places, but the lack of protection proved to be a strain on the nerves. After four consecutive sixty metre pitches with no protection we were psychologically tested.

Just after crossing the bergschrund

Nearing the half way narrowing

The route was fantastic, in most places steep neve with an awkward ice section around some large blocks and a gripping (unprotected) 60m traverse across a powder snow face with the whole route gaping below. We topped out just as it started raining. Yes, raining at nearly 3792m! Time was moving on so we made a hasty descent down the Ordinary route and headed back to the hut, having missed any chance of catching the last lift back.

We made it back just in time for dinner, including tarte aux pommes!

Anything looks good when you're starving!

Article Series - French Cakes

1. Tarte aux Figue
2. Fraisier
3. Fraicheur
4. Tarte aux Pommes
5. Tarte aux Myrtles
6. Tarte aux Myrtles et Bière
7. Les Miettes
8. Gâteau de Citron
9. Gâteau de Chocolat