Rockfax Description
I, 100m, 1 - 2 hours. An excellent, short climb which lacks technical difficulties but not exposure.
1) The ridge can be joined almost anywhere within 100m of the Col du Midi, but the most enjoyable scrambling is found by starting in a small snow bay just to the left of where the rock solidifies considerably.
2) Climb leftwards up a ramp before turning right and following the ridge on its crest, turning difficulties on the left.
3) 4b. Halfway to the refuge there is an awkward slab which can either downclimbed (4b) or abseiled (5m). From the foot of the slab, return to the ridge crest and continue along the ridge in a stunning position to reach the terrace at the back of the Refuge des Cosmiques. © Rockfax

UKC Logbook Description
Not sure of grade-possibly AD-. The alternative route if weather is too bad to do Cosmiques Ridge. Starts from Col du Midi (3532m). As you walk away from aiguille du midi turn right to approach the ridge running south west of cosmiques hut (3817m). Mixed scramble and easy climbing but very exposed climbing across l'arete a laurence. Whole route very exposed with a particularly scary traverse near the end probably best done with some protection. A ladder at the end of the route takes you in to the back entrance of the cosmiques hut.

UPDATE: Large loose block (small lorry size) that is waiting to go down the north face near the hut end, the route traverses over the block. Would easily cut rope/slings if used for protection. Could be avoided by a very dangerous scree traverse below the block.

Ticklists

Rosie's Broken Alpine Dreaming , Intro to Alpine , Alpine Progression , Alps 2023 , Neonatal Alpinist 2023 , Emma and Will go the the Alps , Alpine Peaks and routes , Cham Sep 24

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