20'000 Lieues sous la Neige

Approach

From Montenvers follow the path and ladders to the Mer de Glace. The old way was to go up this until level with the junction with the Lechaux glacier, the base being at about 2150m. Since the drop in the level of the glacier it is now advisable to approach from above. Take the Envers hut path until between two small streams, (cairn). A faint path descends to a geodesic mast (triangulation point), where the abseils start. (The route itself starts at a ledge directly below a large overhang.)

Route

L# | 6b | | Smooth and steep wall L# | 5b+ | | L# | 6a+ | 40m | A big pitch, placing your own protection. L# | 6a | | L# | 5c | | L# | 5c | | L# | 6a | | Superb flakes, placing protection for the lower half. L# | 5c | |

Descent

Take the Envers Hut path back to Montenvers, which takes about an hour.