The Alpine Club, the world’s first mountaineering club, was founded in 1857.  For over 150 years, members have been at the leading edge of worldwide mountaineering development and exploration. 

With membership, experienced and aspiring alpinists benefit from a varied meets programme, regional lectures with notable guest speakers, reduced rates at many alpine huts, opportunity to apply for grants to support expeditions, significant discounts at many UK retailers, extensive networking contacts, access to the AC Library and maps - and more! 

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Here is an update following the return of better weather, (though still cold with the north wind.)

 

Couvercle Sector: The Whymper has been redone.  The bergschrund is OK and the couloir is not a problem. Despite the recent snowfalls, there still no more snow in the couloir.   The approach to the hut is by the central gully.  Approaching by the ladders is not yet recommended.

 

Requin Sector: (The hut closes 21st May evening).  The Brêche Puiseux is tracked, (no further info).  Traversing the Salle à Manger is still OK but be careful at the start below the hut.

 

Grands Mulets Sector: the Mont Blanc is tracked by Plateaux and North Ridge. The Jonction is OK.  The 40cm of fresh snow is slowly settling, and is good to ski, thanks to the low temperatures.  N ridge of the Dôme; despite the recent snow the ice is still present, (foresee adequate equipment for 3 to4 pitches of about 30/40m). The N face has been skied, (good conditions).

 

Plan de l’Aiguille Sector: A party left this morning, (Friday), for the Eugster Diagonal, (awaiting info).

 

Aiguille du Midi Cable Car: following an anomaly with one of the cables, the Plan de l’Aiguille / Aiguille du Midi stage will be closed until 27th May. The Chamonix/Plan de l’Aiguille stage remains open until the 21st and then both stages will be closed 22nd to 27th May.

The Cosmiques hut remains open and can be accessed from the Torino.  The approach to the Grands Mulets hut is on foot from the valley floor.

 

The Planpraz lift will open temporarily to compensate for the closure of the Aig du Midi lift.  Note: the footpaths at this altitude are still not doable due to deep snow, (risk of slipping and snow slides).