La bise from le Chablais

The anticyclone does not weaken and it has not snowed for a month yet in the West part of Switzerland. This is not a reason to calm down Casam, Michel and Nico's ardor, quite the contrary. The cold of the last weeks has stabilized the snowpack, and it's the occasion to go and find some steep and virgin slopes, not far from Michel's garden.

During the ascent, the "bise", a cold north wind well known in French-speaking Switzerland - because it is usually synonymous with dry and stable weather - does not let the small group rest on the whole ascent. Thanks God, the famous Mikkkele trail mix allows the group to keep the pace, both physically and mentally.

 
Once we reached the top of the "Sablier", the wind calmed down, which allowed the group to enjoy the breathtaking view of Leman Lake. The conditions are "dry" but safe, which is a good thing for this type of expedition. A raw and austere atmosphere settles in from the first turns. It feels more like it's in Chamonix than in the Pre-Alps but think again! In this little corner of the country, we find not only pinot noir of excellent quality (because the grapes are hand-picked with love by Jeanine and Ruedi, we'll tell you more about this soon), but also amazing couloirs with abseiling entrance!

Here they are in the "verrou": barely a meter and a half wide, sharp ice plunging into the void. Further down, a gap through the rock. The width of the West splitboards pass within a few centimeters!

Once you get to the bottom of the "sablier", the turns become easier and the exit approaches!

Can't wait for the next one.