Normal Route  AI3-4 Steep Snow

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Type:  Ice, Snow, Alpine, 2000 feet, Grade IV Consensus:  AI3-4 [details] FA:  Jean Antoine and Louis Carrel (Italy) Season:  November to February Submitted By:  Eric Rich on Mar 17, 2010 You & This Route  |  Other Opinions (2) Your todo list: Your stars: Your rating: -none- [change] Your ticklist: [add new tick]

BETA PHOTO: Red Line is the Normal Route

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Description 

Follow the moraine above the glacier until you are beyond the La Rampa Coulior and then drop right on to the glacier. Traverse right and then head up to reach a point to the right of a rock outcrop and head up. In dry conditions, this can be hard ice-gravel at 45 degrees. The slope slackens above and trends right-ward to a rightward traverse that brings you to a large crevasse. Depending on conditions, either cross the crevasse to the right on a snow bridge or cut back left into it and then climb out (may be overhanging). From here head straight up. Follow a rising traverse let until you are below the first ice summit, head up, and then traverse right below a rock summit and up to join a ridge. Cut below the main summit and then cut up left and follow the ridge to the summit.

NOTE: as conditions change season to season and even within seasons on this mountain, it is prudent to find a recent photo of the route or once again, consult with local outfitter's for beta.

Protection 

3-4 ice screws
20-25 wands (you will likely be alone on the route; afternoon fog and storms are likely)
2 snow stakes
1 glacier rope (8mm 60m or whatever you prefer)