We'd headed out to Chamonix to give our ski touring skills a good shake down before an attempt on the Haute Route in a couple of weeks. Our first day's touring focused on the classic Col des Crochues / Berard Traverse in the Chamonix Aiguilles. From the top of the Index lift a steep climb leads to the first col and provided a good test of our kick turns. From here a good descent leads to a very exposed and icy traverse which was made far more interesting by having to negotiate several avalanche run outs.An easy climb then leads to the final col and a long descent through the trees. A tough and serious day with the current conditions
