Clear Sky and Strong Wind
On Sunday with Chris Ensoll, Jerry and Mike I climbed Tour Ronde, via the Gervesutti Route. This was in good shape, with plenty of good snow, very little icy sections and a few steps inserted by previous parties. All in all, very good conditions and we moved together up the whole climb.
We then moved on to the Gnifetti Hut, accessed from Stafel in the Gresonney Valley (Italy). From here we climbed Lyskamm via it’s south ridge. From the main East summit we traversed towards the West summit and down to the Quintinno Sella Hut and back to the valley. Check out Le Reve Bed and Breakfast for a good nights sleep and a very friendly helpful landlord,
This ridge is graded AD (A real AD!) and is fairly committing due to the nature of the descent ground. Once on the main summit, the routes off require some considerable concentration and continuing hard work.
The view towards the west summit. The cold north winds were very strong and searching all day and made life fairly unpleasant and challenging.
The last section towards the lower West Summit (don’t believe the Alpine Club guidebook) was the most exposed and airy part of the day out. Snow conditions were very good and not too icy.
Approaching the main Lyskamm summit (East).