In what we hope is an annual affair, Rick Billingham joined a group of friends for a few days skiing in Chamonix. As part of the adventure, they skied the Vallée Blanche. We had great weather, though a shortage of deep powder. But the route was in good condition, with fun "packed powder".

The team at the top of the Aiguille du Midi. Jeff, Margaret, Rick, Jean Anne and John.

A very busy day on the arete leading out of the Aiguille du Midi. For reasons we will never know, the Compagnie du Mont Blanc declined to open the "Z" for the descent until quite late in the day. The result, traffic jams.

Looking back up at the arete, after our descent and only minutes after the authorities opened up the "Z".

Free at last!

Skiing down fun but challenging snow below Mont Blanc du Tacul.

We stopped for a warm lunch at the Requin hut.

Resuming the descent along side the Géant Icefall.

There was a remarkably fun corridor of good snow between the blocks of ice and the rock walls below the hut.

Heading down to the Salle à Manger.

The impressive icefall.

Lower on the glacier we pass by some interesting icy "features".