Cogne - Valnontey - Flash Estivo

Broad and not very steep, maximum 75°.

Approach # 2h

From Cogne, drive to the Valnontey car park. Take the Climbers’ path to a junction (signposted - Other Routes) and take the L fork. Follow this higher path along the right bank (looking upstream : to the left). Pass the ‘Patri’ turning (sign), continuing along the main path to the ‘Erfaulet’ bridge. Do not cross the bridge ; instead continue left until below the Repentance wall ; sign ‘Flash Estivo’. Turn left to climb the path into the bay to the right (Repentance and Mondey Money are in the bay to the left). Flash Estivo is the icefall to the left.

Route # (II 3, 180m)

L# | 65° | 45m | Bolt belay to the right. L# | 70/75° | 50m | Bolt belay on the left; or possible peg belay higher to R (60m rope). L# | 60° | 40m | Bolt belay. L# | 75° | 45m | Belay on the rocks to the left, just before the exit, on slings. It is better to continue upwards for several metres to exit at the top where one can belay on a flake (slings and a metal ring).

Descent

Abseil down the route.

• The top half gets the sun.

• Beware of falling ice, especially if there are climbers on the central column or LH Finish.

• Variant after belay 2, to the left : Flash Estivo - Colonnata Centrale, 4+, 85°, 40m. Belay on slings. Eventually continue for one more pitch, a wall of 35m (20m at 85°-90°). Descent by abseiling along Flash Estivo.