Stage 4 North to South (Asco to Tighjettu) - Current Snow conditions?

On 3rd June I spoke to the PGHM (Peloton de Gendarmerie de Haute Montagne) and the info they provided is on my website : www.corsicabus.org . It is at present warmish weather down on the coast (obviously cooler in the mountains) and not warm enough to make the snow melt fast between now and 14th June.

crampons are still recommended. I did the stage a few days ago with only an axe and feel like i was a bit of am idiot for getting into a situation where i was underprepared. There is still deep snow on the climb out of the cirque and in addition to this the snow is melting so the chained areas are mostly wet. There were people doing it without even axes and some were panicing and climbing back out to go back to haut asco. (that being said some managed with just walking poles. But i would not recommend trying this) I think axes at the very least for the next week and crampons would be good to keep your mind at ease. It is very steep and very slippery. . Photos on monday.
Si

KHD-

Simon's advice, being very recent, is superior to mine. However please keep in mind two things: the snow melts quickly this time of year, and there is no law that says you must traverse the cirque. The mountains are carved from stone, but your plans should not be.

You will have an additional week of warm weather during which more snow will melt. If you can, consider walking south to north and you'll have an another week of warm weather between you and the cirque. From Simon's other reports it sounds like the "reservation system" is irrelevant this year.

If you start in the north you can use the snow at Muvrella as a guide. There will most likely be snow on the short ascent from the lake, and if you find this climb easy you will have no trouble in the cirque. On the contrary, if you have trouble with this snow then you should bypass the cirque.

But again, Simon was just there and I am not there right now. I'm looking forward to seeing his photos for sure ;-)

Mark.

Great pics, Simon. Snow in the cirque looks typical for early June. Crampons you give extra purchase but it's possible to go without them, as you did. I didn't see any pics from Capitellu -- I'll bet that had some snow on the steeps too.