In reply to Will_Thomas_Harris:
> (In reply to Roberttaylor)
>
> probably the 'normal' time of year for this route and other similar routes in the Argentiere basin (Droites, Verte etc.).
>
Blimey - things have clearly changed over the last 25 years. Global warming, gear, or attitudes?
We used to do those routes in September when they had cleared of winter snow but had started to freeze well again.
Over here in the eastern Alps I don't think many folk do classic NF ice walls in March or April (apart from the odd freak winter) because there is simply too much avalanche danger. Normal target time is mid May through June.