Superb day yesterday on the Forbes Arete, Aiguille du Chardonnet. First climbed in 1899(!) this is up there with the best AD ridges in the Alps, with difficulties on snow and rock, great views, a complex descent to make a traverse of the mountain, and 30 "Rébuffat" points as well! The Forbes in question was a Scottish scientist who, amongst other things, studied glaciers in the mid 19th century.He didn't make the first ascent, so presumably the route is named after the Aiguille Forbes which stands at the foot of the ridge.
Conditions were - unsurprisingly - snowy. This made for good going on the glacier, with the direct approach from the hut still passable.
The Bosse is in great easy condition too, snow all the way.
We reached the ridge in cloud fearing yet another "summer of 2014" experience, but luckily the skies cleared and the rest of the day was perfect, if a little cold and windy at times.
On the ridge things get trickier with some quite delicate snow sections, but lots of good crampon/rock/snow mixed climbing.
Awkward descent on snow-covered slab
Near the top
Final steps to the summit
Obligatory summit selfie
Droites/Verte wall of the Argentiere basin.
