Training in Chamonix - Cosmiques Arete

First day in Chamonix. Slept badly last night - I had some strange dreams and I wonder if its the effects of altitude or just excitment for the week ahead! Breakfast at 7.30 in the hotel in town with my guide from Jagged Globe, Andy, and the other person in my group, Richard.

Set off at 8.30am into a gorgeous sunny day in the mountains. We walked a short way into town, chatting about our experiences and the itinerary for the week, and then caught the gondola up to the Aiguelle du Midi. Surrounded by tourists taking photos of the surrounding moutains ranges, we kitted up into crampons, harnesses and ropes, then stepped over the metal railings and onto the snow slope below. I led on the route down over steep ridges and onto a long snow traverse to the base of the route. As we walked we passed another route which was packed with climbers ascending grade 5/6a pitches - way out of my technical range (or so I thought!).

Our route looked somewhat more achieveable, a high grade (Vdiff/4) scramble along the cosmiques arete. It was actually great fun although very exposed in places. I didnt have too much trouble along it apart from a difficult move here and there and keeping my composure whilst stepping over precariously balanced rocks over long drops! There was a bit of a slabby climb towards the end but fortunately a sling had been put in place for assistance and even with our big boots I managed to pivot my way up the tiny footholes to the top. Richard and I appeared to be of a similar level which gave me confidence for the days ahead and provided great company for the climb.

About four hours later we reached the top. The worst bit was acutally the unsteady metal ladder leading up to the gondola platform at the end - made somewhat better by the tourists photographing our thrilling arrival over the barriers! However moments later our achievements were surpassed by a group of wingsuiters jumping over ahead and swooping into the valley below. Amazing, although I felt queasy just watching them! We got the gondola back into town around 3pm after a short break at the top. In town we relaxed in the sun with come celebratory coffees in the square then headed back to the hotel on a high and feeling more confident in my abilities after a great first day.

#chamonix #cosmiques