After climbing in the Val d'Herens (Aiguille de la Tsa & the West Tsalion Ridge) we spent a day resting, sorting out kit and doing a local 'Via Ferrata' in Evolene. Originally these were used by soldiers on the Italian/Austrian border as a way of gaining tactical advantage in the mountains. Many still remain in the Dolomites but elsewhere they are equipped by local Guides as a service to the local area and provide a great way of travelling through steep terrain in relative safety. We then based ourselves in the Almageller Hut (Swiss Alpine Club) in the Saas valley and climbed the saw toothed arĂȘte of the Dri Horlini (3207m) with Michael and Gregor leading the first couple of steep pitches. With slightly better weather forecast in the west we headed for Chamonix and ended the week with Michael and Gregor both climbing independently as an alpine pair. They climbed the traverse of the Aiguilles Crochues which involves pitching, abseiling and moving together.
