Today I went back to the Madone de Fenestre to climb the Couloir Délaissé (300m, 45-50° max) in the Southwest face of Mont Ponset (2828 m). The conditions in the Couloir were not too bad but with the current temperature the snow won’t last long. Then I climbed down the Southeast face and since it was still early, I climbed the North Couloir of Mont Neiglier (300m, II, 50° max). The conditions in the North face were much better, with still lots of snow.
Couloir Délaissé, Southwest face of Mont Ponset (© P. Gatta)
Distance: 12 km, ascent: 1250m / descent: 1250m.
Sunrise on Gelas (© P. Gatta)
Description: park as far as possible on the road to Madone de Fenestre. From the parking of the vacherie (signpost 359) go toward Combe du Ponset up to the base of the Southwest face of Ponset. The couloir starts at 2450 m and top out at 2780 m. Then climb the ridge to the top.
Southeast face of Ponset, my trail is visible in the center of the face (© P. Gatta)
Note that there is another Couloir on the same face of Mont Ponset, the Couloir Oublie
North Couloir of Mont Neiglier (© P. Gatta)
Philippe in the North Couloir of Mont Neiglier (© P. Gatta)
Half way in the North Couloir of Mont Neiglier (© P. Gatta)
Summit ridge of Mont Neiglier. From Gelas to Clapier behind (© P. Gatta)