The weather forecast promised clouds in the morning, but then clear skies in the afternoon, at least at the altitude, so we returned to the scenic and colorful Eastern slopes of the Vercors range. We chose a trail starting from Col de l’Arzelier (1154m) towards Pas de la Balme that is not recommended during winter time. Since it wasn’t technically winter yet, we kept going. Little did we know …

The first part of the hike was quite comfortable zig-zag climb in the forest to Pré Achard  at 1500 meters — although muddy and slippery at places. From there on we started see a little snow. And then some more snow. And then the trail was all snow and slush. Eventually we crossed a little stream and then saw a small avalanche that had blocked the trail. Some people had gone through but we turned back, and decided to return in better conditions. Also, in that fog it was hard to appreciate the scenery (or be scared of the sudden steep falls). So, the hike was cut a bit short, only 7.4km in 3h10mins, with D+/D- 639m.

 

And,  the clouds never disappeared.