This spring we enjoyed two Haute Route trips and one in the Berner Oberland. On the first we were joined by Deborah Robertson, Nancy and Jeff Ray, Patty Valinoti, Jim Belagorski, Paul Farrelle, Stan Brown and John Lashbrook.

As is usual for us these days, we skied the Classic route over the Plateau du Couloir. This year, the weather was remarkably good, and we were able to ski nearly every day under blue skies. One brief storm caught us in the Vignettes Hut, and we spent our planned extra day there, while new snow fell outside. (We did go out for a few great turns in the new fluff.)

The crew on the Vallée Blanche day. From left to right, Kathy, Jim (behind), Patty, Jeff, Nancy, Paul (hiding behind Nancy), Stan, Deb and John's left elbow.

On day two, we skied over the Col du Chardonnet, the Fenêtre de Saleina and on to the Cabane du Trient. Here we are on the Glacier de Saleina with the Aiguilles Dorées behind.

Patty and Jim at the Cabane du Trient.

Arriving at the Col des Ecandies above the Val d'Arpette. The fine weather continues.

Coffee and cake in Champex.

After a fine night in the small village of Bourg-St-Pierre, we head up to the Cabane du Valsorey.

The climb over the Plateau du Couloir was cold, cold, cold in the early morning wind. But we made it and are now enjoying the long descent down the Glacier du Mont Durand. Next stop, Chanrion Hut, our favorite of the trip.

Skipping ahead, we arrive at the Vignettes hut. Here, we have a view towards the outhouse.

After a day spent partly in the Vignettes hut and partly out "yo-yoing" the Glacier de Piece below the hut, we carry on to Zermatt with a bit of new snow! Here we are descending almost untracked snow (one group ahead of us) down , on our way to Zermatt.

The view from the Col de l'Evêque.

The team at the Col de Valpelline just before the final cruise into Zermatt. From left to right; Jim, Patty, Ray, Nancy, Mark (kneeling), Paul, Deb, Kathy, John and Stan.

A brief stop to enjoy the views and catch one's breath on the descent into Zermatt.

Jeff explains the difference between small and large beers to Kathy at Stafelalp.