Ice Climbing in Arolla

Arolla is high, high enough to have ice even in this warmest of winters. Today, looking for a mountain day, we ski-toured up from la Gouille to the Cascade des Ignes. This is a pretty safe bet for ice, sitting as it does in the shade at 2300. It is a stiff approach slog from the road though, and showshoes or skis are usually essential.

There's a good bolt belay on the right after 45m or so. Then 2 easier pitches lead to the long snow exit.

With lots of windblown, soft snow we decided to abseil back to our skis instead of walking round.