Tour du Ciel, day 2, 2nd May 2008
6th May 2008
Next morning saw us leaving the hut a little after 0500 hrs in the dark skiing down lighting the way with our head torches with the occasional sparks from the skier in front if they caught a rock with their edges. We skied back along a little way where we’d skinned up the previous afternoon before arriving under the Äbihorn and fixing skins along with ski crampons and starting to climb. It’s early in the day of course and the sun’s barely risen to the snow is solid and the crampons are essential to make any progress, even so, some of the kick turns are hard work at times.
The scenery is stunning though, early morning light on the Matterhorn behind us and the seracs of the glacier in front. We’re headed for the col Durand, this col sits at the end of the Val d’Anniviers and should offer great views into Zinal and the Anniviers.
Reaching the col we make a ski depot and climb the ridge of Mont Durrand. And there it is (above left), Zinal a couple of thousand meters below. It’s a great moment to be on Mont Durand, after a few tours recently in poor weather to be stood above Zinal is just amazing.
Retracing our steps to Col Durand we retrieve our skis and start to ski pitches down the glacier. The snow is just perfect now, it’s a little before 1400hrs and the slope is north facing so it’s powder from the snowfalls of the last few days. It’s a perfect combination, high above Zinal, perfect snow and clear skies, just unbeatable.
Above right, Mont Durand, Pointe de Zinal and the Dent Blanche. Our tracks visible on the photo’ on the right at the far left.
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