Here is the detailed description of the most relevant points of the TMB that we have received from one of our guide friend.
France:
The climb to Col Grand Ferret is snowy from Plan des Dames.
During the crossing of col de la Croix du Bonhomme, even if there is a track, you must be really careful because there is the risk of slipping, it's better go higher than the usual path and looking for the path indicated by orange stakes.
The slope to Les Chapieux before reaching the usual path is covered with very soft and melted snow. Beware of snow bridges over the streams that are starting to be brittle
Attention to the snow bridges over the streams that are starting to be breakable.
The Col des Fours seems totally snowy.
Italia:
During the climb to Col the la Seigne is important to pay particular attention to the torrents that can be quite strong due to the thaw.
The first part of the Val Veny and the zone around the Combal Lake are still snowy but they don't pose any problem.
The refuge Elena is still closed.
The climb to the Col Grand Ferret is well-marked but it requires an extreme caution due to the snowy crossing and muddy ground.
Swiss:
You can do the slope of the Grand Col Ferret following the usual path (to the left side of the river). The passage of the ravine is a critical point but the snow has melted to the right side of the path and this allows a passage through this breach.
The climb to Bovine has no problem but you have to be very careful to cross the streams.
The descent to the Tour can be very muddy
Conditions july 1st 2013
1 July 2013
Here some news of la Fenêtre d'Arpette from our friends huts' managers:
- The Trient side : dry, so going from Arpette to Trient there's no particular problems.
- The Val d'Arpette side: the last 300 meters before reaching the top are covered of snow. The track is done and the hiker's crampons are not indispensable however they help to reassure some hikers. Instead are essential some good shoes and poles because some passages can be crossed by snowfields.