It becomes really hard to find some snow in the South of the Alps. There are almost nothing below 2400 m and a very few Couloirs and gullies are still in condition, except in some North and West faces. Today I climbed the Diagonale route (AD, 300m) in the West face of Grand Capelet (2935 m) in the Valley of Gordolasque. Overall the condition in the Couloir was okay, the overhang at the beginning is a bit dry so I climbed a mixed terrain on the right. The descend on the South face and the Pas des Conques were in good conditions.
Grand Capelet – Couloir Diagonale (red) (© Philippe Gatta)
Distance: 7 km, ascent: 1300m / descent: 1300m.
Start of the Grand Capelet – Couloir Diagonale (© Philippe Gatta)
Description: park at the Pont du Countet (1697 m, signpost 411) or lower if the road is closed. Cross the bridge (412) and follow the old road for 200m, then go straight up and East toward Les Conques. There is no obvious trail. Climb in the forest and pass the Rochers de Mouffiers toward the Grand Capelet. There are some kairns. There are several couloirs in the West face of Grand Capelet, the Diagonal is on left (see the photo).
Near the top of the Grand Capelet (© Philippe Gatta)
Philippe in the Grand Capelet – Couloir Diagonale (© Philippe Gatta)
South face of Grand Capelet (© Philippe Gatta)
Mont Bego and Valley of Merveilles, the sea behind (© Philippe Gatta)
Descent from Pas des Conques (red) (© Philippe Gatta)