With Ivan, I climb the Directe de l’Arc de Cercle in Freissinières: three pitches of varied ice, a steep second pitch and the whole route to ourselves.
Ivan gets in touch every winter for a little ice climbing outing. This year, after a great start to the season, the thaw has done its work and snow has made access to the high valleys more complicated. There isn’t a huge choice of icefalls within reach of our axes, but after a little reconnaissance the day before, I reckon the Directe de l’Arc de Cercle in Freissinières should more than meet our expectations!
This fine classic icefall is climbed in three pitches, including one properly vertical section! Today, we have the whole route to ourselves, and we’re certainly not complaining. With so few routes in condition, crowds of ice climbers can become a real problem!
The ice is very varied today: brittle, slushy, aerated… A little of everything. Previous parties have left helpful placements in the steep sections, where we’re glad to pick up the pace!
All in all, a superb little vertical journey that will probably mark the end of my short ice climbing season!!
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