Once again, Chris Kulp joined Mark for some climbing in the Alps. This year, we had a bit less time than in previous years, owing to the constraints of both of of their schedules, But the 2 weeks was plenty enough to enjoy some good climbing. Nearly all of these routes were new for Mark as well, which both peeked his interest and kept him on his toes.

  Aiguille de l'Entrèves Traverse

Chris and the Aiguille de l'Entrèves behind. The photo was taken on the east ridge on our way down. The Traverse goes up the west, part of which is seen as the left hand skyline in this photo, and down the vague ridge facing us.

  Aiguille de l'Entrèves Traverse

On the very sharp and exposed ridge on the way up. The rock here is excellent and the views can't be beat. Left to right, Les Drus, the Aiguille Verte, Les Droites and Les Courtes form the skyline behind.

Aiguille de l'Entrèves Traverse

This shot was taken very close to the same place as the previous, looking the other direction. The Aiguille Noire de Peuterey is the rocky summit behind and left and the Aiguille Blanche de Peuterey is the large snow-topped peak on the right.

 Aiguille du Peigne

This photo was actually taken on the descent of the peak. We are retracing our steps across a traverse, heading for the notch behind. Chris has just lead back across this traverse. From the alcove we will continue left to a final rappel and the notch. Much more downclimbing lies ahead.

  Aiguille du Peigne

  Aiguille du Peigne

The final crest along the summit is spectacularly exposed. Unfortunately it does not show this well in this photo. We'll just have to keep the image in our memories.

  Aiguille du Peigne

"Thumbs up!" on the summit.

  Mani Puliti, Aiguille de la Glière

This is a fun little climb, easily done in half a day, with a whooping 10 minute approach from the top of the Index lift. Though it does not look like much from below, the 5 pitch route has some remarkably good rock on it. This 5b pitch is one of the best.

  Mani Puliti, Aiguille de la Glière

There is a short little ridge section to the climb, only about 20 feet, just below the last exposed pitch. The weather looks a little threatening, and in fact it began to rain as we walked the last few feet to the lift. Perfect timing!

  Mani Puliti, Aiguille de la Glière

Looking straight down the last pitch of the route.

  Mani Puliti, Aiguille de la Glière

Here is a view of the top of the Aiguille de l'Index from the top of Mani Puliti. You can just make out climbers ready to rappel into the notch below. The Chamonix Aiguilles are behind, with the Aiguille du Midi on the right the Aiguille du Plan in the center and the Aiguille de Blaitière on the left.

  Flèche Rousse, Aiguille d'Argentière

This is the view up the Milieu Glacier, the descent route. The snow is steep at the top but fairly straightforward.