Climbing - Les Chéserys (Col des Montets)
If you’re prepared for a bit of a hike before you start climbing, les Chéserys has some nice multi-pitch routes of an intermediate level (4-5). The crag is in the National Park area of the Aiguilles Rouge and as such you may encounter local wildlife like marmots. Due to the aspect (southeast) you have great views and sunshine, and because of the access, it is less crowded than many other areas during the summer. This area is situated at the Col des Montets – from Chamonix you drive up the valley through Argentière towards Vallorcine. As you get towards the top of the windy road, you will see signs marked ‘Trélechamp’. There is parking space available on the left. Then you need to follow the walking track in the direction of Lac Blanc for about 45 minutes. You will be able to see the crag, which is split by a series of chimneys. Note that the descent for all the routes here is by abseil down the chimneys.
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When you are facing the crag and the chimneys, look to your right and you will see an adjacent slab – the start of a nice 6-pitch route called ‘la Voie Bleue’ (the blue way), graded between 4b and 5c. A 50m rope (preferably double) is sufficient.
Les Chéserys area is very spread out, and there are many other routes described in detail in the guide book ‘Crag Climbs in Chamonix’, available at bookshops and some sports shops in Chamonix.
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