markhallam - Jun 9, 2014 2:29 pm Date Climbed: Jun 6, 2014
Solo attempt
I had a very short window to attempt this climb from Alagna at the end of a touring holiday with my wife. We walked together up to within 300m of Rifugio Barba Ferrero, then I went alone - up above the hut, where I struggled with knee deep snow up to a level area up on glacier at about 2800-2900m, and where I camped. Made a start at 5.30am and reached Colle de Locce at 3300m after 2 hours - snow better for having frozen overnight, but still annoying and unpredictable crust giving rise to frequent exhausting collapses through. Then NW ridge very impressive with full snow cover - and totally virgin (I think I'd have been first visitor of the season). But I didn't fancy soloing final 70-80m to summit.
A main objective had been to see another & different view of east face of Monte Rosa - which I achieved from Col de Locce - so I felt the trip worthwhile even if I didn't summit. I'll post some photos in due course - views were superb in all directions.
I've climbed Punta Grober as part of my "Alpinistic course" Starting from the root of N face, moved towards NE ridge (AD) taking in the last parts of the path a steeper and shorter variant to the NE ridge. Alas, we had climbed in clouds, so no good sights... :(
markhallam - Jun 9, 2014 2:29 pm Date Climbed: Jun 6, 2014
Solo attemptI had a very short window to attempt this climb from Alagna at the end of a touring holiday with my wife. We walked together up to within 300m of Rifugio Barba Ferrero, then I went alone - up above the hut, where I struggled with knee deep snow up to a level area up on glacier at about 2800-2900m, and where I camped. Made a start at 5.30am and reached Colle de Locce at 3300m after 2 hours - snow better for having frozen overnight, but still annoying and unpredictable crust giving rise to frequent exhausting collapses through. Then NW ridge very impressive with full snow cover - and totally virgin (I think I'd have been first visitor of the season). But I didn't fancy soloing final 70-80m to summit.
A main objective had been to see another & different view of east face of Monte Rosa - which I achieved from Col de Locce - so I felt the trip worthwhile even if I didn't summit. I'll post some photos in due course - views were superb in all directions.
gogo - Feb 24, 2007 8:36 pm
First N sideI've climbed Punta Grober as part of my "Alpinistic course" Starting from the root of N face, moved towards NE ridge (AD) taking in the last parts of the path a steeper and shorter variant to the NE ridge. Alas, we had climbed in clouds, so no good sights... :(