Our 4th guided group of the season are currently enjoying a rest day in Courmayeur.
Here is what Alex had to say about conditions from Les Contamines to Courmayeur.
Col du Bonhomme, Croix du Bonhomme: It looks more intimidating than it is before you start. You only really need micro spikes on the first section from the Col where there is still a runout below. So about 100m. After that you can wear them on the snow patches & mud, but if people are confident then no need.
The gully before the Col du Croix du Bonhomme is still full of snow & therefore is a snow bridge. You can hear the stream underneath. It’s currently thick, but this will become more difficult as it Maëlys further.
Going down from the refuge Bonhomme to Chapieux is now nothing like as muddy. There are still a couple of snow bridges in gullies as well as simply some snow in gullies. Possibly it’s not easy for people to see the difference…..? So care needed in all snowy gullies.
It's still not advisable to go via the Col des Fours.
Chapieux/ Refuge Mottets to Courmayeur: No snow at the Col de la Seigne now. The obvious path is currently the one straight down from the Col into the val Veny….a couple of snow patches still. No need for spikes.
The path via the Casermata is now do-able but not obvious if you don’t know to swing right there.
Full route via Mont Fauvre spur is now possible.
