Mountain Lifestyle

The Mountain Lifestyle Blog

  • La Blanche (2953m)

    La Blanche (2953m)

    You can see the peak of La Blanche, from the terrace outside our front door, where I’m writing this, so thought we ought to try and climb it. Rather helpfully, the nearby chairlift gives a good head start and for 13 euros this time, we got quickly wisked up to 2200m. We had initially planned… Read more

  • Ailefroide Gorge Via Ferrata

    Ailefroide Gorge Via Ferrata

    Just a few minutes from our chalet are a couple of very popular ‘Via Ferrata’ routes that wind their way though some stunning terrain in the Gorge d’Ailfroide. Having made one aborted attempt, (we retreated after finding a long long line a people ahead of us!), we returned early on Sunday morning to a bid… Read more

  • Climbing at Gramuson

    Climbing at Gramuson

    We decided to have a semi-rest / semi-active day today, starting with a nice stroll down to the bakers for some fresh croissants as a late breakfast. What a commute to have… Later in the day we went for a bit of an ‘explore’ to see what the climbing was like on our local crag.… Read more

  • Glacier Blanc

    Glacier Blanc

    Up and out early this morning to make the most of the cool mountain air and quiet trail for a hike up to the Glacier Blanc. An absolute stunner of a morning and a real joy to be out, soaking up the views and taking in the details. Within the first half an hour I… Read more

  • Trois Petit Cochons, 4c, 5c+, 5b+ – Ailefroide, Sector Ouvreurs

    Trois Petit Cochons, 4c, 5c+, 5b+ – Ailefroide, Sector Ouvreurs

    Back up in the valley again, for another fine few pitches of climbing… After a bit of office work in the morning, the three pitch route was perfect for an afternoon jaunt. After the first pitch, the next two felt a bit harder than advertised and required a few brave moves standing on tiny smears… Read more

  • Refuge du Sélé (2511m)

    Refuge du Sélé (2511m)

    I took a beautiful hike up to the nearby Refuge du Sélé from Ailefroide. A early(ish) start in the cool of the morning through the pine trees, soon gave way to some wild views that felt a world away from the busy campsite where I’d parked. The old path that’s marked on the map has… Read more

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