So I'm wondering if anyone has any first hand experience on the Grand Jorasses, specifically the mixed routes on the north face (Colton/Mac, Croz Spur, The Shroud, etc). What is the best time of year to do these? I've ascents recorded in almost every month of the year. What's the best time of year to hit good, technical mixed routes in the range? I'm a complete Alps neophyte!

RR

Rob,

That Steck fellow jogged up the Colton-Mac on Dec. 28,2008. Could be that he picked the worst time, though. (As if 2:47 wasn't good enough) An afternoon stroll

Yep. Seen the video. That's what is actually inspiring a potential trip there. The route looks absolutely incredible, as does the Croz Spur

I'd take a look at Luca Signorelli's posts on ukclimbing.com. In general, I think you'll get more and better advice on climbing in the Alps from that site than from anything in the U.S. Signorelli also posts on Super Topo and you could contact him through that site.

depends on the year/conditions and route...
but you probably want to aim away from winter unless you want the full on experience
my guess would be late spring/early summer for the mixed stuff...

i have a friend who got up the jorasses last summer...get in touch with me and i'll put you in touch with her...she can hook you up with some chamonix guides who will have beta for you

ps second what rg says re ukclimbing - better beta, partners, etc.

pps i have a pile of beta, guidebooks, websites, etc for chamonix...let me know if you want me to scan/copy stuff for you...etc

Check with Armin Fischer. He is a guide based out of Northern Italy (Alagna Valsesia region) and he is the first american to pass the european guide certification process. He is also a kick ass climber having done some bad-#ss bigwalls in the US (things in the A4/A5 region with Tom McMillan and the late Bruce B (Brutus of Wyde). He is familiar with the region.

He is a nice guy (I know him from climbing with Doug and Tom McMillan and climbed with him in Yosemite)