There is a Big Crevasse. Yes, I know just keep straight!
According to Meteo-Alpes the weekend of 29th June 2025 saw the highest ever altitude (5136m) where the temperature is zero degrees (zero-degree isotherm).
Rising temperatures is causing significant concern among glaciologists, as it accelerates the melting of glaciers and the thawing of permafrost. This, in turn, increases the risk of landslides in the Alps.
This weekend we were descending from Le Grand Bec (3,398m), having summitted at just after 7am. Three men roped up I was at the front.
Our French guide was concerned about the effect of the heat and pressed us straight down the slope for speed (counter to his original more cautious plan). Every twenty-five steps we sank to the top of our thighs.
We were on the glacier, there was an open crevasse in our direct line no more than 15 metres away. I repeated my concern three times, Phil the middle rope did the same. The guide at the back pressed us on!
To him the mountain was all crevasses just that he ‘knew’ they were all filled with snow and the snow bridges were in place. So, crossing the snow bridge was a calculated risk, when three man roped.
Eventually the guide saw the open crevasse, called a halt and course corrected.
The lesson language and translation.
‘Lost in translation’. To our guide crevasses were all over the place but covered and a calculated risk. He did not understand this one was open nor did I make that clear. Confusion!
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