The recent storms have put down a lot of snow and returned the summer alpine hills into deep winter mountains.

Fred and Benj started up the classic Arête des Grands Montets and very quickly encountered tricky, slow, and draining terrain.

I mean, everyone loves climbing an off-width corner in crampons, no?

Fighting their way up the iconic ridge line, the Verte didn't want to give itself up easily and 11 hours after starting out, high up on the Calotte de la Verte, Fred and Benj found a nice serac to hide from the wind under and set up for the night.

The weather forecast is looking challenging to say the least but Fred and Benj are still smiling and enjoying the adventure.

And tomorrow, Benj finally gets to become a "vrai montagnard" by standing on the summit of the Verte!