Cogne - Valnontey - Thoule

This ice waterfall is easily seen from S end of the Valnontey village. Often busy, several ropes can climb it at once due to its’ width.

Approach # 45mins

From the parking in Valnontey follow the climbers footpath on the true right of the river, (left looking up the valley) until in less than 30 min you come to a signpost “Thoule”. Cross the bridge and the ski du fond track and head straight up to the foot of the obvious ice wall.

Route

L# | A big ice wall with lots of possibilities between 75°-80°.

L# | A broad ice curtain which goes along the rock fault. In some places there are stalactites, some places columns and some places the ice is smooth. Chose a line that suits the ice conditions and your level. The second pitch has less ice than the first pitch and is very exposed to the sun, therefore take care.

Variant P2. If the top wall is too dangerous it is possible to continue up the gully, (Snow) to the foot of a much easier angled pitch

Descent

Abseil using trees. The last abseil is from a chain around a tree on the true right bank, can be awkward to reach from the gully