Norm has been coming to the Alps to climb for many, many years. Sometimes the weather and conditions were excellent and others, not so good. This trip, unfortunately, falls in the the not so good category.

The week started unseasonably hot, too hot. Then several days of cold and rainy storms, dropping about a foot and a half of new snow at higher elevations.

On our first day, we did a short route as we made our way to the Torino hut.

The Vierge. This rock tower lies at the lower end of the north ridge of the Petit Flambeau.

Fun cracked slabs on the upper pitches.

A spectacular setting

And to finish, an easy snow ridge up the Petit Flambeau.

Arriving at the Torino hut, where we spent the night.

We were hoping for a clear night and reasonable freeze. Our goal the following day was the Gervasutti Couloir on the Tour Ronde. But the snow never froze, and fearing rockfall we abandoned the attempt in the wee hours of the morning.

After snoozing another hour or so back in the hut, we descended into the valley, switched gear and heading off to Vallorcine for a bit of rock climbing.

The little hamlet of Vallorcine.

The following two days were truly nasty, and we were unable to accomplish anything.

Eventually, the weather improved enough to climb the Petite Aiguille Verte.

Though Norm has climbed this peak a number of times, it is nice, nonetheless to get out in the blowing snow.

Downclimbing the normal route on the Petite Aiguille Verte.

Back to the Grands Montets lift.

The following day, with moist and cold weather flowing in from the northwest, we decided to head into Italy for some rock climbing.

Norm on Dr Jimmy.

The last moves of the last pitch. It is much steeper than it looks here.

Hiking down from Dr Jimmy in the warm afternoon.

Our last day was exceptionally beautiful. But with so much new snow, options were very limited.

Norm on the Arete Laurence on the Aiguille du Midi.

Another party coming up behind us.

On the Arete Laurence.

After a brief stop in the Cosmiques hut for tarte and beverage, we continue up the Arete des Cosmiques.

Always spectacular.

The exit of the exit chimney.

Looking back at Mont Blanc.