Drenched Morning

Day 41 - Semi-recovery Day

The first chance to sleep on a proper mattress in a long time leads to a rude awakening. Gusts of wind and snow pelter the mountain refuge. After a much needed albeit simple breakfast, the hike down from 2500m altitude begins in treacherous conditions. Slipping and sliding down the snowy and muddy mountain proves as dangerous as uncomfortable.

After multiple hours spent completely drenched from the snow, hail and rain, the skies open up as the town of Valezan appears in the distance. A brief stop to change into the final dry clothes makes progress less chilling. A small hotel is sensibly chosen as an overnight halt, allowing to recharge whilst drying clothes ahead of a predominantly sunny week, which may still be impacted by the recently fallen snow.

Refuge de Presset - Pessey-Nancroix