http://907montblanc.com
Came across this today. He plans to do the TMB (sometime) in winter on his fat bike over 10 days.
Brave or foolhardy? Iirc there are a number of valleys that are very susceptible to avalanches.
TMB on a Fatty in Winter
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gairym
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Re: TMB on a Fatty in Winter
Screw that!
Having read through the site he at least seems to know what he's doing but Col de Ferret (which he acknowledges as a potential problem) is really hard going to hike up without snow and only carrying a regular MTB nevermind with proper snow.
Col de Bonhomme is no walk in the park either.
It's getting into the realms of actual (you might easily die if things go wrong) mountaineering in winter conditions.
But good luck to him, be interesting to hear how it goes.
That fatty looks gorgeous too!
Having read through the site he at least seems to know what he's doing but Col de Ferret (which he acknowledges as a potential problem) is really hard going to hike up without snow and only carrying a regular MTB nevermind with proper snow.
Col de Bonhomme is no walk in the park either.
It's getting into the realms of actual (you might easily die if things go wrong) mountaineering in winter conditions.
But good luck to him, be interesting to hear how it goes.
That fatty looks gorgeous too!
Re: TMB on a Fatty in Winter
I remember speaking to some people who worked in Les Chapieux who said no one lives there in the winter because of avalanches. As you say that slope up to the Col is prime territory for being buried alive.Col de Bonhomme is no walk in the park either.
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geoffsharper
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Re: TMB on a Fatty in Winter
Thanks for posting my trip here guys,
For sure Ferret, Bonhomme and Seigne are the make or break of the trip, they are also closely packed into the first few days.
Given the current lack of snow in the CMB valley and therefore the poorly established base the trip is shaping up to be an end of winter deal for the exact reasons you have stated.
Gairy we are neighbours. Let me know if you fancy getting out for a ride... snow permitting that is!
Cheers!
For sure Ferret, Bonhomme and Seigne are the make or break of the trip, they are also closely packed into the first few days.
Given the current lack of snow in the CMB valley and therefore the poorly established base the trip is shaping up to be an end of winter deal for the exact reasons you have stated.
Gairy we are neighbours. Let me know if you fancy getting out for a ride... snow permitting that is!
Cheers!
Last edited by geoffsharper on Mon Dec 15, 2014 10:09 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: TMB on a Fatty in Winter
Hi Geoff,
Fingers crossed the weather comes good for you.
Keep us informed of your progress. We all like a good adventure here.
Fingers crossed the weather comes good for you.
Keep us informed of your progress. We all like a good adventure here.
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geoffsharper
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Re: TMB on a Fatty in Winter
You bet Rich ...and thanks again!
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gairym
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Re: TMB on a Fatty in Winter
Geoff,
Sure, assuming that snow will at some point arrive, I'm up for a ride (have been enjoying being able to use my regular MTB in December - mental!).
Worried I'm not in your league though (from perusing the site and seeing your plans and kit).
Was contemplating a sneaky overnighter this weekend but will have to see what work, family and the weather have to say on the matter.
Gairy.
Sure, assuming that snow will at some point arrive, I'm up for a ride (have been enjoying being able to use my regular MTB in December - mental!).
Worried I'm not in your league though (from perusing the site and seeing your plans and kit).
Was contemplating a sneaky overnighter this weekend but will have to see what work, family and the weather have to say on the matter.
Gairy.
Re: TMB on a Fatty in Winter
Now that’s a plan! Good luck. Fingers crossed.
Why not do it now? You'll probably have best chances for a safe and successful trip at the very moment. Well, that said I don’t exactly know the conditions around the Massif du MB, but here (central Alps) it’s good for such/similar trips.
In late winter, when the snow’s firm, some steeper bits will be very tricky to cross and it’s likely that you’ll have to traverse many cones. Solid, steep and with big chunks. And it’ll not go through as a winter trip anymore.
Is Grand Col Ferret the regular TMB or Petite Col Ferret? I’d deffo go for the Grand Col Ferret. No shame in taking the safer pass. After all it’s normal to adjust the route in winter and not stick exactly to summer hiking trails.
I’m off to go over some passes in the Graubünden this weekend for some very similar stuff. Let me know if you fancy to come along. Hhhmmm... perhaps it's better if I revisit Chamonix... Love that place.
Why not do it now? You'll probably have best chances for a safe and successful trip at the very moment. Well, that said I don’t exactly know the conditions around the Massif du MB, but here (central Alps) it’s good for such/similar trips.
In late winter, when the snow’s firm, some steeper bits will be very tricky to cross and it’s likely that you’ll have to traverse many cones. Solid, steep and with big chunks. And it’ll not go through as a winter trip anymore.
Is Grand Col Ferret the regular TMB or Petite Col Ferret? I’d deffo go for the Grand Col Ferret. No shame in taking the safer pass. After all it’s normal to adjust the route in winter and not stick exactly to summer hiking trails.
I can’t see why it should have something in common with winter mountaineering. It’s much more like regular skitouring, just with a bike insteadgairym wrote:It's getting into the realms of actual (you might easily die if things go wrong) mountaineering in winter conditions.
I’m off to go over some passes in the Graubünden this weekend for some very similar stuff. Let me know if you fancy to come along. Hhhmmm... perhaps it's better if I revisit Chamonix... Love that place.
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gairym
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Re: TMB on a Fatty in Winter
No, you're right.Alpinum wrote:I can’t see why it should have something in common with winter mountaineering. It’s much more like regular skitouring, just with a bike.gairym wrote:It's getting into the realms of actual (you might easily die if things go wrong) mountaineering in winter conditions.
I suppose the problem is that above a certain technical level it's all deadly mountaineering insanity to me.
When I was riding the TMB in September all I could think was that it would be insane to try it in the winter but I'll be the first to admit that my experience and winter skills are definitely lacking.
Sounds great but I don't have the time to travel anywhere this weekend unfortunately.Alpinium wrote:I’m off to go over some passes in the Graubünden this weekend for some very similar stuff. Let me know if you fancy to come along. Hhhmmm... perhaps it's better if I revisit Chamonix... Love that place.
Also, I don't think I've got sufficient (real, Alpine) winter gear. I'll PM you and maybe we can have a quick chat as it's something I really want to do more of but it seems a step or two out of my comfort zone.
It's great that there are more and more of us in the area!
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geoffsharper
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Re: TMB on a Fatty in Winter
The trip was indeed conceived as a fat biking and mountaineering mix.
I spent some time climbing in the Cascades (US) and eventually wound up on Denali (6168m) which I was lucky enough to summit a few yrs ago those 21 days spent on the mountain towing an 85lb horse-drawn sledge and carrying 75lb pack (pre-stash) in temps of +40 to -20 are hard to forget.
That said... I absolutely do not underestimate the challenges and potential dangers of Ferret, Bonhomme and Seigne.
Ultimately, if the avi danger on any given day is high or conditions are in any way too dangerous then I'll simply pull the plug and try again some other time.
...and for sure would be up for a chat. thanks.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EfTr ... 0320ft.jpg
I spent some time climbing in the Cascades (US) and eventually wound up on Denali (6168m) which I was lucky enough to summit a few yrs ago those 21 days spent on the mountain towing an 85lb horse-drawn sledge and carrying 75lb pack (pre-stash) in temps of +40 to -20 are hard to forget.
That said... I absolutely do not underestimate the challenges and potential dangers of Ferret, Bonhomme and Seigne.
Ultimately, if the avi danger on any given day is high or conditions are in any way too dangerous then I'll simply pull the plug and try again some other time.
...and for sure would be up for a chat. thanks.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EfTr ... 0320ft.jpg
