Phil and I got to Aussois on the S side of the Maurienne on 23rd June, Seve and Charlotte 6 days later. Most people will be familiar with this set of hills from the ski resorts on the N side, such as Tignes. We started with a four day hut to hut walk, going over five passes. Wonderful alpine scenery. Flowers and marmots. A little snow on the passes, but not needing crampons. We explored 4 local single pitch crags. A variety of rock on four different crags. Did some tremendous via ferratas, especially in the Victor Emmanuel Fort complex and over the river L’arc gorge. I ventured on a 640 meter zip wire, 180 meters above the river. Exciting. A couple of exciting day walks. A second hut trip took us to the Femma refuge where Phill and I went up Mean Martin, 3,300mts. Our high point. A last hut trip took advantage of the free bus to Bellecombe, at 2,300mts. A walk to a hut, blizzard, and a second day contouring above the main Maurienne valley, with great views of the Ecrins.
Wonderful ice cream – we sampled all the cafes in Aussois. Very good municipal camp site. Lots is free in France – parking, toilets, via ferratas. Aussios was 20 minutes from a motorway which led directly to Calais – at a cost. A great venue with something for all. Geoff.
Geoff’s pics:
Mean Martin Vanoise
Via Ferrata
Steve’s pics:
On the GR5 above the Maurienne valley
Approaching the Femma Hut
Mean Martin from Col de Rocheure
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