In reply to G Graham:
> (In reply to Seb Lee)
> Routes like Formes du Chaos have large stances with loads of bolts on both sides of the canyons. The number of bolts is to compensate for the fact that it forms up different every year. Other routes like have bolts, trees etc. You would probably get away with 50m ropes ok if that's all you have.
I'd agree with the observation about rope length in Ceillac although this wouldn't necessarily be true for other places (eg La Grave for instance) where the belays on many routes have been set up for 60m ropes. In very good, late season conditions some of the belay bolts may occasionally become buried under ice and then you just belay to screws instead.
>
> I wouldn't ab down any route at Ceillac due to the popularity. It's quicker, easier and safer to walk down the donkey trail from the top. There is also usually a long bum slide which is very fun.
You have to descend by abseil off Sombre Heros, Easy Rider, Vermicelle and L'Arlèsienne. Accessing the GR5 path isn't possible/ sensible from the tops of these routes and bum sliding would be very exciting and ... err ... more than likely terminal.
>
> BTW, if you want easy access mid grade routes, Les Orres (another ski area) is better. But I can't remember many bolts.
The stances on all Les Orres routes are fully equipped although Nadia and Clara don't come into condition each year and probably wouldn't be in nick in late December in any case. Ice formation on Dancing Fall is more reliable and actually it'll go in quite lean conditions. Ceillac is a far more reliable venue and I definitely wouldn't agree that access to the Les Orres routes is easier than to those in Ceillac.
Finally, conditions in December have been increasily variable in recent years although Ceillac does come into condition earlier than other nearby areas. This is a good site for info on conditions etc:
http://www.ice-fall.com/ri/Conditions/de/glace/307.aspx
Hope this is of some help and have a good trip.
Dave