Natural High

I set off from Bendolla to hike to the Roc D'Orzival. My route took me through the Abondance area, which in winter is my favourite ski itinerary. It's quite a sharp climb and the area looks so different in summer, with features that I don't get to see in the winter.

The usual skiers entry point is in the centre of this image.


Here is the view from the entry point. I had no idea there were so many rocks!

Once up onto the main ridge I headed for the top, but the air was not too clear so the views were not so good.

This is looking across into the Orzival area, which is another popular off piste destination, easily reached without skinning up. Beyond is the Rhone valley.


After this, I headed down to Tsarva, and then back to Bendolla, passing a drag lift on the way. The snowpark kickers still had some snow, I wonder if it will last until the season starts.


Here is a good example of why surface lifts can't run in summer!


I stopped for a sandwich, beside a stream which was in a very pretty setting. I really think that the nearby bridge could use fixing though.