Emma Henderson joined me for some multi-pitch alpine rock climbing, and our timing couldn’t have been better. We were blessed with a spell of stunning weather — the kind where, as long as you stayed in the sunshine, it was warm enough to climb in T-shirts. The trees were plastered with autumn colour, and the crisp air made for perfect climbing conditions.
This was Emma’s first real introduction to multi-pitch rock climbing, and she was keen to make the transition from the bouldering gym to the outdoors. Chamonix and the surrounding area is as good as a backdrop as any...
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| Emma's 1st Rappel |
Emma took all this in her stride so the following day we returned to Switzerland and climbed on the excellent cliff Les Trappistes above the road between Martigny and Sembrancher. Again all these routes can be found in the "Entroment Escalades guide book." I would highly recommend getting a copy because it show cases some world class rock climbs.
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| Emma on the 5th pitch of Pantagreul |
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| The line of Pantagreul |
On our third day, we stayed closer to home and climbed the sunny slabs at Les Chesery, high above Argentière. We tackled the comparatively easy Voie Jaune, a fantastic route for learning about rope management and efficiency. It features an involved three-stage rappel to descend from the top — a perfect introduction to the art of multiple rappels. The views were jaw-dropping, enhanced by the turning autumn leaves . It’s the kind of setting that reminds you why you might want to climb somewhere other than indoors..?
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| Chamonix Aiguilles seen from Les Cheserys |
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| 1st pitch of Voie Jaune |
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| A very big and well camouflaged Ibex |
On our fourth day we climbed the modern classic Cocoa Girls which overlooks the franco swiss border in Chatelard. This was Emma's favourite climb of the week .
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| Emma on 4th pitch of Cocoa Girls |
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| Mt Blanc framed between the ridge |
Finally I would highly recommend the following guide book
https://www.mountain-guide.ch/fr/Topo/
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