Petite Aiguille Verte

Description

A fairly repeated and not very demanding ascent that in some ways can be preparatory for those who want to approach the world of vertical climbing in the severe high mountain environments, and the advantage is that it can easily be done in a day facilitated by the Grand Montets cable car. Already during the short approach into the glacier, the severity of the icy environment of the great north faces can be perceived: the start of the Aiguille Verte is a little further on, while further on at the end of the glacial basin are the Droites and Courtes, while on the opposite side the sunny and imposing rocky slopes of the Aiguilles de Chardonnay, Argentière de l'A Neuve and Tour Noir can be observed. From the summit, the view is a little closed to the south due to the proximity of the north face of the Drus and the Aiguille Verte, while from the other perspectives it is simply thrilling due to the spectacular surroundings for the number of peaks that the high mountains can offer us. Description On reaching the top of the second section, descend the steps that lead to the ski slope and from the start of it reach the rocks on its right, descend towards the glacier, losing a few tens of metres, and, skirting the rocky triangle, continue inwards, cutting across the steep icy slope. Without losing much altitude, continue the traverse in the direction of some large seracs but, without reaching them, deviate at an evident gully that descends from a notch on the summit ridge, widening considerably at the base (15 minutes). Climb up the glacier slope for a short time to the terminal, which, depending on the conditions, can be overcome with a somewhat vertical drop in its central part; now begin the ascent of the couloir (50°) staying in the middle and, towards the middle of the slope, pass a first group of small rocks on the left. Here the slope accentuates a little for a short distance (55°) and then returns as before, continuing now to the right and then to the left of the small rocky outcrops of the terminal part, which reaches a cornice on a small snowy shoulder of the ridge. From the shoulder, climb up a short snowy ridge that reaches the rocks on the edge of the ridge and which you climb up again by climbing up comfortable ledges with good holds (II°); after having climbed up or around a couple of gendarmes on the right, descend to a small notch that you cross passing over a short but very airy and exposed snowy ridge after which, with a last easy climb, you reach the rocks of the small summit. For the return, follow the normal route and then return to the small exit shoulder of the couloir and descend along the easy ridge of rocks and ice on the left, staying a little to the right of the line until you meet the upper tongue of the small glacier, which is easily traversed, just being careful of any open terminal, shortly reaching the cable car arrival station below.