Refuge des Mottets to Courmayeur

Again we were not able to walk over the mountains because of snow and ice and transferred to Courmayeur in a mini-bus ……. a more cautious 2 hour drive over many “col” leaving France and entering Italy through Col Little St Bernard at 2200m.

We set off from our hotel in Courmayeur at about 11.30 with three others (a couple from California ex Johannesburg, and a retired psychologist from Seattle) on an alternative 14km hike up 1000m to Refugio Bonatti via Le Mont da la Saxe and then down 400m to catch a bus back; excited because the grandeur of the views of the massif Mont Blanc on this stage are rated as a highlight.

The first 5 kms were a serious steady climb on a well-made path mainly through forest that zigzaged without letting up, at times very steep, ascending 800m to Rifugio Bertone where we stopped for lunch(and recovery) and a bird’s eye view of the toy-like Courmayeur below.

After another short ascent the path developed as a balcony trail across the ridge of the mountain among trees and then across open meadows with stunning, breathtaking views every step of the way. We were at 2000m and across the valley, feeling as though we could reach out and touch, the Mont Blanc Massif soured a further 2500m into the clouds.

With about 4kms to go we felt confident that we’d get down to meet the bus due an hour and a half later. And then we met the first of three obstacle surprises.

About 20 metres before crossing a fast flowing waterfall, the path was covered by snow and ice sliding down to the water. I wasn’t convinced we should risk it ….. the only alternative was retreat and return. With much concern I watched Rob edge across the slippery snow very slowly. Then the actual waterfall crossing proved difficult with only one dry foothold and rushing water on all sides. I went last; fearfully muttering prayers. I only managed to get across the water with Rob and Dave’s strong hands to pull me off the rock. Janowellfine.
A little further on we again had to cross a sloping snow field. We didn’t have our spikes with us but crossed without much difficulty.
And then we had to cross a frozen shelf about a strong waterfall; one slip and nothing to stop a swift slide into the water.

The descent was tricky until we met a wide path/road down to the bus stop. We were forty minutes too late and had an hour and a half wait for the next bus (we tried Uber, calling a taxi and hitching a ride without success). Time for a happy group selfie and play in the snow😁

We got back to the hotel at 7.20.
Pizza for supper !!!