Ingrid has been climbing sporadically with Kathy since... embarassingly, since before Kathy can even remember! Ingrid and her friend Ellen took advantage of the fact that they would be in Chamonix for the Sustainable Summits conference, and booked a couple of days of climbing before leaving town.

On the Aiguille Marbrées; Ingrid on the right, Ellen on the left.

For our first act, we took a leisurely start from Point Helbronner, and climbed the North Ridge of the Petit Flambeau (behind Ingrid and Ellen in this photo).

High on the ridge, in beautiful warm sunshine!

On the summit!

Back at the comfy bar at the Torino hut, it's rehydration time.

The next day we tackled the Aiguille Marbrées. Here we are on a narrow ridge with the Dent du Géant looming in the background.

Looking down at other climbers in the same spot, from near the summit block.

And here we are looking up at the final moves to the top.

It's out turn on the summit! Mont Blanc behind, and perfect weather.

Heading down again...

We descended via the mixed snow and rock of the south ridge.

Other climbers on the route.

The route ends with an easy but busy rappel! It wasn't quite as disorganized as this looks, but negotiating these alpine intersections is always potentially tense...

A nice Italian coffee later, and it's time, sadly, to head down again. Thanks to these fun and interesting women for the company and the climbs!