This is the high season for ski touring in the Mont Blanc Massif and the Grands Montets are busy with skiers going in every directions. I chose a classic; Grands Montets to Le Tour via the 3 Cols.
North Face of Chardonnet (© P. Gatta)
As many other skiers, I left Les Grands Montets (3,240m) and ski down to Argentiere glacier (2,560m) and started the climb to the Col of Chardonnet (3,323m): 6.5km, +800m / -690m, 2h.
Aiguille Chardonnet, Col of Chardonnet and Aiguille Argentiere (© P. Gatta)
There was a fixed rope to abseil down from Col of Chardonnet to Saleina glacier.
North Face of Aiguille Argentiere (© P. Gatta)
Back on the skis to the next col: Fenetre of Saleina (3,261m): 3km, +195m / -255m.
On the way to Col du Tour – 3 Cols (© P. Gatta)
A short and easy climb leads to Col du Tour (3,281m): 1km, +52m / -38m.
Amazing descent to Le Tour (© P. Gatta)
After the Col du Tour, an amazing descent of 8km and 1,800m leads to the village of Tour.