For the second year in a row, Andreas came south to take in a bit of Alpine climbing in Chamonix.

For our first day, we chose the East Ridge of the Grands Montets, also knows as the Arête du Petit Belvédère. This is a short but fun alpine rock route to the summit of the Grands Montets.

The view of the Petit Aiguille Verte and the "grand" Aiguille Verte behind. Conditions are looking pretty icy after the long heat wave.

Looking over towards Mont Blanc. The weather forecast called for afternoon deterioration, but we had plenty of time in the morning for our climb.

Andreas on the Arête.

Looking down the arête. Another party not far behind.

On our second day we climbed the Aiguille d'Entrèves. Starting from Point Helbronner, on the Franco-Italian border we are instantly in a high alpine world.

Unfortunately, we had to share this world with quite a bit of cloud. Views were rather limited.

Andreas just after the crux moves of the route.

Working along the spiny ridge crest.

...and our descent, back down the glacier.

For our third day, for which I have no photos, we spent and easy afternoon in Les Gaillands, a "rock climbing park" in the Chamonix Valley, covering various glacier, roping and belaying skills.

On our last day, the weather was perfect. We headed up into the Aiguilles Rouges to climb Gaspard Premier, a route on Point Gaspard (the peak on the left). Mouse over to see the route.

Roping up at the base. We were not alone, though all the various teams moved right along.

Andreas on some of the easier sections. Actually, nearly all the route is much cleaner than this, I just failed to get photos of the best parts.

Back at the Col des Crochues, we change shoes for the walk down.

Thanks Andreas!