The routes

Cascade Chantriaux is the longest ice fall on the sector opposite Tete de Gramusat. Although somewhat discontinuous, the second pitch climbs a splendid free-standing drip. Unfortunately it rarely forms completely, and the upper section is often not in condition as...

Splendid drip located opposite Les Viollins. Generally climbed in 4 pitches, first up a wide varied sheet, then a beautiful free-standing drip and finally up an easier and less exposed streak. Every now and then another parallel drip forms on...

'The rock face of all rock faces', 'the route of all routes': the Cassin route up the Walker Spur on the North Face of the Grandes Jorasses represents a dream for all alpinists. The route is highly demanding and due...

A little gem, a true masterpiece of Mediterranean granite sport climbing. 

On the whole the climbing is less beautiful than that on Ombre e Lumiere, but some pitches are nevertheless interesting and worth doing. The route climbs the right-hand side of the tower, following a series of enormous steps up good...

This descent is both demanding and exposed and should be attempted only by excellent skiers. A rope, ice axe & screws may be useful if the north face is icy. Wait for ideal conditions in spring when the snow has...

This itinerary starts from the Col de Génépi, from where the Aiguille Rouges is reached before skiing down the entire NE face of this mountain. Even though the starting point is lower than those of the other itineraries described here,...

When there's no fresh snow left on the slopes near the lifts then head for Col du Montets. Although the approach takes 40-50 minutes, the view and isolation make the effort worthwhile.

This is one of the mega classics and as a result extremely popular. Away from the main descent however, there are many interesting alternatives worth discovering.

Great cassic trad route, long, always interesting and well-protected. The face receives the sun and is fairly sheltered from the wind. Climbing is therefore possible from mid-spring onwards, and is best combined with a magnificent ski to Chamonix down the...

The Cosmiques Arête is one of the most famous and popular climbs in the Mont Blanc massif, and quite rightly so. Excellent granite, exposure, incredible scenery and mid-grade mixed climbing (with some challenging sections thrown in) are the ingredients of...

Couloir en S is the most difficult and demanding descent proposed in this small selection of itineraries. This gully stretches down the entire NE face of the Aig. Rouges and opens up onto the easier angled slopes of the Grand...

A great 6-pitch outing that offers interesting cracks and some technical slabs on the beautiful red and grey granite wall about 150 meters high just below Dent du Géant.

Fantastic climbing up pumpy, overhanging cracks on stupendous granite. Acrobatic descent, clip some friends during the abseils to keep close to the rock face.

Established in 1992 by the Frenchmen Arnaud Petit and Stéphane Husson, as the name suggests Delicatessen is a strong contender for one of the most beautiful difficult multi-pitches in the world. Petit and Husson forged the line ground-up with the...

Dèmocratia is a splendid granite route, reminiscent of many alpine outings. Demanding slabs alternate with a difficult central pitch up small crystal knobs. The bolting is excellent and never excessive, while the granite itself is also clean of vegetation. The...