Jim Severance, from Idaho, came to Chamonix with his local ski club for a week of fun. He wanted to start his trip, however, on his own. Mark and Jim chose the Col de Beaugeant as a good option, and off we went.

The day was perfect, the first day of really great weather in about a week.

Climbing up past Lac Blanc with the Mont Blanc Massif behind.

Above Lac Blanc. The Aiguille Verte and Les Drus on the left with the Grandes Jorasses in the center. We are not alone.

A very busy day on the Col de Beaugeant. The route heads left across the rocks from the highest skiers. You can make out others at the col proper in the upper left-had corner of the photo.

The traverse.

The route was in good condition with a comforting track. Even so, we roped up.

Half way across the traverse.

And the exit.

Another party at the Col, on the way down the north side.

Looking back up at the col from the north. It is steeper than it looks.

Unfortunately, the snow was a bit disappointing on the descent. Some crusty nastiness. A few days before, it had rained to a very high altitude and the crust was quite evident. Jim copes well, however.

Looking down the Berard Valley and our exit.

At the train stop in Buet.

We had lots of time left in the day, so we spent a bit of it exploring the Le Tour / Balme ski area. At the end of the day, here we are, heading for the bus stop in Le Tour.