Today, we are going to cross the north ridge of the Tournette with a dad and his 10-year-old son. The weather forecast is good and we meet at the Col de l’Aulp at 8:00 am. We check the equipment: harness, helmet, quickdraws and rope; everything is there. All we have to do is follow the steep path that takes us towards the Tournette. Shortly before the crossing that leads to the Tournette refuge, at a rocky spur, we leave the main path. I rope up our young climber to follow the steep path to the first rocks.
We now all have to rope up to tackle the easy climb, alternating between rocky outcrops and small paths in the grass. The whole team is doing well and we easily reach the ridge. The atmosphere changes and it is now the edge of the ridge that dominates, far below, the cirque des Varos. No apprehension for our young mountaineer who manages like a boss.
The ibex lying on the ledges do not seem disturbed by our presence. Climbing, downclimbing, crossing, the whole register of alpine races is represented here. A few “panorama” breaks and snacks later and we find ourselves at the top of the small abseil. 15m of descent on rope to reach the pass below skillfully negotiated by the roped party. We set off again and reach the summit that dominates the col des Varo.
The descent is a little more technical and you have to look carefully where to put your feet on this compact limestone rock of great beauty. It would take more than that to put our little family in difficulty! A few minutes later, we are at the end of the difficulties. A well-deserved picnic and we go down quietly to join the car.
Do you want to be guided for this race? This is where it happens!