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Morzine Snow Report: 23rd February 2012

Tete de Boston hike. Getting away from it all

featured in Snow report Author Phil Smith, Updated

We had another stunning, sunny day in Morzine yesterday, 100% clear, deep blue skies. Today is not so nice, the cloud is low and heavy but temperatures are mild so it is not all bad. Fortunately the outlook for the coming days is much better, predominantly clear blue skies and relatively mild temperatures. It should make for some nice ski days.

Yesterday we headed out away from the pistes using the ski randonnée equipment (and snowshoes for the snowboarders) to get away from it all - destination the Tete de Boston. The hike starts at the head of the Valley de la Manche at L’Erigne and gains some 1200m vertical by the top - quite an expedition.

Initially you head up the snow covered road towards Lac Mines d’Or but turn away in the direction of the Col du Golese following the walking signposts. For the first hour or so to the Col you are surrounded by trees with the occasional view of your destination. The climb of the Boston stretches away to your left and you get a chance to survey the numerous, highly technical couloirs to be skied down this northern side of the mountain.

From the Col du Golese you make a turn left directly up the climb to the Boston. You are beyond the tree line at this point aiming initially at a false summit. As we climbed, the sun was beating down on us raising the temperature somewhat. It was quite a novel feeling after the deep freeze conditions of late.

Gaining the false summit you get a view of your real destination, still an hour or so away. It can be a little disheartening but, by way of consolation, the views all around get better and better. To the left the Hauts Forts and to the right the Dents d’Oddaz; the latter is an especially impressive knife edge ridge, towered over by the Dents Blanche.

The top is wide open, the views all around are stunning, particularly in the direction of Mont Blanc and the Pointe du Percee. We sat on the cairn at the top and tucked into our sandwiches and a flask of coffee. A few other randonneurs came and went before we had the inclination to head down showing just how popular a hike it is.

It was mid-afternoon by this point and the snow was softening up nicely in the sun. We scored some brilliant spring skiing conditions, initially. This was followed, surprisingly, by some really nice fresh powder turns as we headed right off the end of the Boston into the shade. It was only the very end of the mountain, not one of the steeper narrower couloirs. We had decided against trying any of the latter as we had spied avalanches in those on the way up. The conditions are quite dangerous at the moment. I read about an avalanche yesterday near here which killed one person and nearly another.

I reckon the climb up at a leisurely pace took around 3.5 hours. Clearly it did not take nearly so long coming down! In summary, a brilliant little adventure, away from the crowds, with stunning views. We rewarded ourselves with a beer in the Crappa hut at the top of the Vallee de la Manche. Also a great little spot to head for lunch, as it happens. You can either drive to within 200m or take an easy snow shoe up the river trail right from the centre of Morzine. I prefer the latter then you can make it a boozy lunch. If you don’t feel you have the energy to walk back then hop on the bus!

Bon Ski

Stats

Snow Report
  • High Temp.: -2

Location

Map of the surrounding area