CHAPTER VI

THE AIGUILLE DU CHARDONNET AND THE AIGUILLE DU TOUR 181

The aspect of the Grand Combin--Topography--Weather conditions for a successful raid--A classification of peaks--The Orny nivometer--The small snowfall of the High Alps--The shrinkage of snow--Its insufficiency to feed the glaciers--The Aiguille du Tour--Ascent of Aiguille du Chardonnet--The St. Bernard hospice--Helplessness of the dogs--The narrow winter path--The monks’ hospitality--Their ski--The accident on the Col de Fenêtre--_Ce n’est pas le ski_.