My first Alpine trip in 6 years (jeez) meant a few compromises as my buddies were all super keen and proficient skiers. They wanted me to quickly learn how to ski tour and join them on multiple adventures. I jumped at this opportunity and despite my protestations and grovelling apologies they were kind and patient and waited for me to learn “on the job” as it were and watched as I skittered, clatterd and tumbled my way down some 3000m mountains.
I learned to “skin up” pretty quickly but the 45 degree off piste sludgy knee deep snow tested me somewhat and I found myself, for the first time in a long time, being pushed physically to my limit as well as being made scared and not a little bit frustrated.
Good times were still had however and even managed to fit in a pretty spectacular via ferrata in Saint Gervais. All in all – I found going up mountains and cliffs the best bit. Partly because I can do it and partly because it seems more fulfilling generally.
Danny Brown Climbing and Coaching 