Briançon ice
They're here! A while in the shade of these ephemeral beauties, making the most of a few lines in condition.
With Alex, Stacha, Vincent & Aude.
The cold at the start of this winter has formed a few icefalls, and the lack of snow means some of them can be climbed without being exposed to avalanche risk.
From sorbet ice in which the tools sink tenderly, to glassy ice that shatters into dinner plates, you have to constantly adapt to this rich and changing material.
The interplay of water and cold sculpts a thousand surprises, from the fine fractal of hoarfrost to the majestic, bulging frozen waterfall.
This fairytale setting reveals the magic of the cold, making us forget the warmth of the sun flooding the opposite slopes. But the painful hot aches lie in wait and call us to order when the blood returns to our fingers!
If the winter cold decides to grip these structures further, then perhaps we'll treat ourselves to an icefall in the sun?
Photo gallery...