Mont Blanc summit

It can be surprisingly difficult to see the actual roof of Europe despite its proximity - foreshortening, some pretty big surrounding peaks and some very steep sided valleys mean that usually you need a combination of height and distance - today we managed both with a return visit to Les Contamines, mostly spent on the South facing slopes of the Aiguille Croche, it was a simply stunning day.*

Steve had his first taste of off piste today, i dont know who was more nervous, pupil or instructor (well, lol, actually I do....)
We tracked across to the wonderful wind sculpted ridge of Veleray - seen in extras - the ridge, a happy to have 'arrived' Steve and the tracks of a fantastic Mr Fox who'd made his way along this precarious route.

So saddened to arrive home to hear of the tragedy in Tignes, conditions are near perfect for slab avalanches at the moment, those poor folk out having fun in the mountains and taken from their loved ones. Terrible.

*i know this would have been better with the French flag, but as it was pizza for lunch this was apt and I like the contrasting colours