UKC

Thinking of ice climbing in Ceillac, La Grave or Arolla 17 - 24 December. Does anyone have experience of past conditions at that time of year? Arolla is higher so would seem to be the safer bet? Thanks.

In reply to Misha: Arolla is usually pretty reliable around then and if there's not enough for a week you can go round to Zinal. There's always the Cascade des Ignes which is at 2400m. Complete line of ice down it today.

In reply to Misha: went to ceillac and la grave from the 24th, everything we found was climbable and in good condition.

In reply to Misha: Might be worth checking http://www.ice-fall.com/ nearer the time for up to date conditions.

Arolla is high so is a good choice as Frosty says (probably worth checking his blog as he is the man on the ground!). If I have been out in the past for a cascade mini break I have based myself in Briancon which means you can drive to La Grave, Cerviers, Cellaic, Embrum, Les Orres, and all the major valleys close to Argentiere le besse.

In reply to James Thacker:
A good idea - with skiing as a fall back.

Thanks all.

In reply to Misha:

Vallon Du Diable which is accessible from La Grave is higher and more reliable that time of year. Also you have the wee ice falls up at Le Alpe De Huez - again more likely to be in that early.

I'd base myself closer to the La Grave side of the mountains which means you can still access the southerly falls but getting to Diable and Le Alpe De Huez is still feasible.

In reply to graham F: Cascade des Ignes was climbed yesterday and there's now ice on the Arolla tunnel routes too...

In reply to Misha:
Taken four days ago at Ceillac

http://www.ice-fall.com/Page_Cascade.aspx?IdCascade=68&NomCascade=Y gauche et droit&Type=Saison