August 31

August 31:  Champex to Trient

This optional TMB high route variant is a physically demanding walk that goes a different path to the official TMB trail.  It is a spectacular high route alternative that goes from Champex to Trient, crossing over the Fenetre d'Arpette (2665m), which should only be walked in good weather conditions.  The view from the col offers an extensive view overlooking rows of mountains and the mighty Trient Glacier.

Taking this high route variant from the official TMB trail - via Fenetre d'Arpette - guarantees today will be one of the most demanding hikes of the entire TMB, climbing to a height of 2665m.  Soon after leaving Champex and choosing the high route variant, you will get your first glimpse to a wall of mountains crowned with a jagged row of craggy peaks, and you will question how you can get through.  The climb passes through a variety of beautiful landscapes; first, come the pine forests, then the alpine meadows, and finally the barren and boulder-strewn scree slopes of the upper section, and the same is true in reverse for the descent.  

The 1300m of climbing will all appear worthwhile when you finally reach the tiny gap in the mountains of Fenetre d'Arpette.  Gazing through this 'window' into a new valley you will see rows of mountains extending to the horizon and the chaotic and crumpled body of the Trient Glacier.  The Trient Glacier is 4.3km long and covers an area of nearly 6 square km, and can be split up into the upper section, or 'plateau' where the ice is 100-150m deep, and the 'tongue' which extends into the valley, nearly 1200m lower in elevation.  During summer meltwater from the glacier feeds the Trient River.

14.9 km, 1199m up, 1388m down.

It was a fabulous day today.  As a side note, the last UTMB runners were through Champex at 2am.  Anyone arriving after that time was pulled off the course.  At breakfast we were talking with a couple from Britain who Gary and Pat had met previously.  We convinced Nigel and Diane to do the high route, so they came with us for the day.  I pulled up the rear (by a long shot) all day today - both uphill and down - although Diane wasn't feeling well the last few km (probably heat exhaustion).  

The note above talks about the variety of terrain we passed through today, and that was certainly the case.  It was also so very different from yesterday's easy walk through the lowlands.  Here are some pics from the early part of the walk.

The British family we first met at Refuge des Mottets and have seen almost every day since - Charlotte, Charlie, Pam, and Lucy.  Hope they fared ok on the high route today; they're not staying at our hotel tonight.

And then the climb began..............

Today's group at about the halfway point of the climb.

And so it continues.

I didn't think to take my camera out during the really scrambly part through the boulders.  It was a challenge - both physically, and finding the route.  Thankfully route markers were painted on the rocks on a fairly regular basis.  The last 100m or so up to the col was much easier going, although steep.  

It was starting to get crowded on top by the time we got there (just after noon), with hikers coming up from both sides.  The obligatory summit photos.

And looking over to the other side.

Our first views of the Trient Glacier.  The route down was also challenging, but not as bad as I feared it might be.  I was so, so slow but at least I didn't end up on my butt or my face!

Many more views of the Trient Glacier followed, as well as views down into the valley ahead, and parts of the route itself.

We eventually got below treeline, and below the level of the tongue of the glacier.

At about this point a fellow passed me.  He was putting markers in for the Swiss Peaks series of races.  He said there were races ranging from 20km to 660km.  I thought the UTMB race was incredible, but that may take the cake.  And they go over this pass; at least the UTMB has the good sense to take a less challenging route on this part,  I'll have to look this one up.

We eventually came to Cafe au Glacier and I had both a juice and a Coke - I was soooo thirsty.  It was a hot day out there.  Nice views...........

Bisse du Trient - After passing Cafe du Glacier the trail continues along a well-made gravel path with a gradual decline.  During the last decade of the 18th century this was a railway line constructed to bring ice from the glacier to the Forclaz Pass, and from there distributed across Europe to destinations such as Paris.  At the peak, 20 to 30 tonnes of ice were exported daily.  A small irrigation 'bisse' runs beside the path sometimes in a ditch and other times on an elevated wooden channel.

Then it was a few more unremarkable kms into the village of Trient, known for its iconic church.  What a lovely setting!

Long day today.  Time to settle in, get ready for tomorrow, have a shower.  Then dinner, pictures & blog.  Time for bed.  Rain is in the forecast for tomorrow so we'll finalize plans in the morning.  A really, really great day today!  I see my computer is still flashing Calgary heat warnings at me.  Seems summer has finally arrived there this past week!