Our overnight accommodation in Chapieux - it looks lovely, but just too crowded!

We caught the bus up the valley which dropped us here at the Ville des Glaciers (1789m), saving a tricky 5K road walk leaving a loooong climb to the Col de la Seigne

With a flourish, Mike shows us how to do it

After the long climb it was time for a short rest at the Col de la Seigne (2515m) as we crossed into Italy. Magically everyone we met from this point spoke Italian instead of French

"Five minutes!"

More snow to cross, the view down from Col de la Seigne

The view from here is just spectacular!

The Col de la Seigne was the starting point for an alpine downhill cross country run with runners passing us at regular intervals during our descent to Cormayeur

"Buongiorno"

The wild flowers on our trek were spectacular - I don't know what these were but they were typical of the show put on for us

Interesting patterns in the rocks here

Rifugio Elisabetta - time for refreshment

Weary ? You bet!

A bold Marmot plays up to the passing walkers

A look back at Rifugio Elisabetta

The long walk through the Val Veni as we approach Cormayeur

By now many of the downhill "runners" were walking. Soon we reached the bus stop and had a crowded bus ride into the centre of Cormayeur