Grandes Jorasses – Walker Spur

Walker Spur was in a great late summer nick and parties climb it as late as 10th of September. I was very keen to get back on to Jorasses myhtical N face after two years. Luckily Tim Oliver shared the idea and so we went and climb it on the 8.9.

Tim wrote such an excellent blog about our climb, so it would be waste of time to repeat the story.  Go and read it here!

Walker Spur was first climbed in 1938 by Cassin’s party and I have to wonder their courage and vision to find a such a complex line through the biggest N face of the Mont Blanc massif. It has some loose rocks at points, but solid rock on the steep parts and fun mixed pitches make you forget the choss. Very classic alpine climb after all!

PS. Sorry about the picture quality. My camera was broken and I had to use my phone.

Leschaux hut is the starting point for the Jorasses N face climbs.
Leschaux hut is the starting point for the Jorasses N face climbs.
Mythical face!
Mythical face!
After 2:00am. start from the hut we started climbing aroung 4:00am. Tim crossing the schrund.
After 2:00 am. start from the hut we started climbing around 4:00 am. Tim crossing the schrund.
Easy angled slabs at Ice bands. Rebuffat corner was climbed in a dark.
Easy angled slabs at Ice bands. Rebuffat corner was climbed in a dark.
Tim climbing the 75m diedre.
Tim climbing the 75m diedre.
Tim starting up the Black slabs.
Tim starting up the Black slabs.
An excellent 5c pitch to reach the arete. Tim follows.
An excellent 5c pitch to reach the arete. Tim follows.
Long simul-climb section on the arete.
Long simul-climb section on the arete.
Tim heading up the Neve triangulaire.
Tim heading up the Neve triangulaire.
Louis Laurent in the Red chimneys. We wait our turn.
Louis Laurent in the Red chimneys. We wait our turn.
Tim and Karl following in the Red chimneys. Ropes everywhere.
Tim and Karl following in the Red chimneys. Ropes everywhere.
French team about to reach the Red chimneys.
French team about to reach the Red chimneys.
Tim climbing towards Tour Rouge.
Tim climbing towards Tour Rouge.
On the summit!
On the summit!
Great late afternoon views over the playground.
Great late afternoon views over the playground.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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