TOUR DU MONT BLANC - 2007 - DAY 5

 JUNE 8

We leave the hotel very early in the morning. Freddy is concerned with the weather, which does not look promising. Our goal for this morning is Col de Ferret (2,537m) 9.8 km from the hotel and 927 m higher.

It is the beginning of June but the top of the Col is still covered with snow.

As we say good bye to Switzerland and cross the border to Italy, picturesque Val Ferret invites to a quick descent.

The north side of Val Ferret is guarded by Mont Dolent (3,823m) and Aiguille de Triolet (3,870m). In between, Glacier de Pre de Bard almost descends to the bottom of the valley.

Refuge Elena (2,062m) is not open for the hikers.

Sometimes the only way to cross the mountain stream is over a snow bridge.

I always believed that mountaineers should have a second pair of eyes in the back. It is much nicer to see how much of the trail is behind, than how much is in front. The upper part of Val Ferret is already a history. The deep pass in the centre is a shortcut around Col de Ferret. It is very steep and only accessible after the snow has melted.

We turn our backs to the rapidly retreating Glacier de Frebouge and ascend the last 383 m to Refuge Walter Bonatti (2,025m).