L'Arête à Marion

Approach # 1h30

From the Col de Aravis, (main car parking) go SW to the farm 300m away. By pass it on the right and follow a very faint path through the fields behind. Continue upwards, trending slightly rightwards, until you reach a path which starts at a cairn on top of a boulder. The path goes slightly to the right then goes up the bed of the torrent descending from the “combe à Marion”. The path again goes diagonally rightwards in line with a vertical cliff, to by pass a slabby mound. Then follow a weakness in these slabs horizontally back to the left to the start of the route. This can be recognised by a belay with two bolts at the foot of an easy angled slab with runnels and more bolts above.

Route

L#1 | 3b | Slab and broad groove L#2 | 4a | Start slightly to the right L#3 | 4c>4aA0 | Chimney. Short section (<3m) with bolts every 1m. L#~ Walking with grassy and easy slabs to reach the start of the ridge proper. L#~ The route now follows the crest of the ridge, bolts indicating the way. L#4 | 3a
L#5 | 3a
L#6 | 4a | Start to the left of the ridge L#7 | 4a
L#8 | 2c
L#9 | 2c
L#10 | 3a
L#11 | 3b
L#12 | 4a
L#13 | 4c

Descent

From the summit go straight down the slope on the right, NW, cairns, towards a small col between the Dent du Chatelet (2356m) and the Pointe Blonnière (2369m). Then go to the right between two large boulders, climb down a little ravine, initially on the true left, (2 bolts, the first with a bit of tat,) then the right bank (2 bolts.) Go down the scree in the cwm to reach the start of the climb and the approach route.