The current heat wave is certainly having an impact on the snow conditions this summer, with little freezing up high and lots of rock fall.  It's important to keep your eyes open and play it safe on steeper mixed routes and many of the classic snow routes.  Conditions are dry, and getting even dryer as days go by.  On a happier note, many rock and ridge routes are in a very good state.  For those itineraries requiring a glacier traverse to approach the routes, like the Swiss route of the Grand Capucin, it's a little hairy.  We have chosen to stay on solid ground for the next week, heading towards the Matterhorn and other peaks...enjoy the climbing!  

Yes, this is our first summer news update!  It's not that we've been idle or anything...only a few days of vacation...but it's not everyday that we're on our honey moon!!! For those of you who don't know the story, Emily & I got married on June 19th.  We could have been out skiing that day, but we had more important things to take care of...yes we put rings on our fingers, and had a little party!  A beautiful day, with a few rays of sunshine, cold temperatures and a fair bit of drizzle.  Since that very fun & special day, we've touched down into "reality", and we're back into our regular rythm of alpine adventures.  Conditions are good with lots of sunshine & heat.  It's good to get up into higher altitudes to cool down...so are you now ready to pull out your climbing shoes before the rubber becomes as tough as concrete!