Col de la Ponsonniere, France

The early mornign mist was due to burn off as the day wore on, so we planned for a longer trip .. deep into the valley from our usual parking space, aiming for a col on the ridge line.

This will take us past the point from the second day where we turned up to the col, and continuing South(ish).

Leaving the van, we struck off up the valley and were soon climbing up a central rib on the other side of the river to the second day.

As we reached the high meadows, then we had our first good look at where we were aiming for,  the lower bit in the middle.

Time for a reflection and a bit of breakfast, before continuing. (pain Raisin seems to be the favourite).

The next section was to follow the flatter bit around the valley base as we approached the ridge line

Then there was a very rounded gully with lots of tracks (popular route) heading for the col. this was where we had to zigzag for a while, before finishing on the col.

The col was really pleasant and sitting in the sun we looked south to the Ecrins, trying to pick out the peaks or guess the names..

Then it was time to descend ..  we had waited until we thought it was the optimal time ...  the top section in the combe was a little hard, and ridged, but where we could find some smoother parts was brilliant, then we traversed across dropping down to the base of the valley ... taking care with the one "risky" section that already had some avalanche debris.

From here we followed the central rib as we had on the ascent. dropping over little humps and troughs looking for the next line down.

Before too long we were back into familiar territory working down the  valley to the van.


One final look back to the col from the car park, before packing the gear away.

Heading back to the apartment, we were a little earlier than anticipated - we were getting fitter and more used to the conditions.