A guide’s account of the Couloir des Sorciers and Rouye traverse with Alain: steep snow, chamois and an airy ridge high above the Valgaudemar valley.
After yesterday’s little tour of the Olan, today we’re heading for something less substantial… on paper, at least! Just a stone’s throw from the hut: the Couloir des Sorciers, followed by the Rouye traverse.
The Couloir des Sorciers: a warm-up for the calves
The approach from the hut is very short, and we’re at the foot of the couloir nice and early! Around a hundred metres at 40°, sometimes steeper: plenty to warm up the calves and sharpen the mind!
At the little notch at the top of the couloir, we surprise a herd of chamois on the eastern side. To be fair, they don’t get bothered every day around here. Our route isn’t exactly a big classic either. Growing up in the shadow of the Olan can’t be easy!
The Rouye traverse: a quiet little gem
Although the rock needs a bit of care in places, this is a lovely route: plenty of exposure, good rock on the climbing sections, a bird’s-eye view of the Valgaudemar valley and a properly pointy summit!
We certainly enjoyed it!
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