
Courmayeur - Planaval.
Peaks/Cols:
⛰️ Col ARP (2567m).
⛰️ Col Passo Alto (2856m).
⛰️ Col de la Crosatie (2822m).
The first leg of the Tor des Géants (TDG) route from Courmayeur to Planaval was a significant challenge, covering 42 km with 3770 m of ascent and descent. The day began with clear skies and excellent visibility, making for an enjoyable climb to Col ARP (2567m). The views were stunning, and I felt strong on the ascent, maintaining a steady pace and managing my energy well.However, as I descended toward La Thuile, I began to experience discomfort in my quads and noticed I was sweating more than anticipated. Recognizing the signs of dehydration, I took on additional water at streams along the way, topping off my bottles whenever possible. This served as a reminder of the importance of monitoring hydration levels, especially in warm conditions.After refueling at La Thuile with some food and extra fluids, I continued on the trail, but as I approached a forested area, I started to feel faint and dizzy. I suspected that this could be due to a combination of the heat, altitude, and the effort exerted during the initial climb. I made the decision to stop, sit down, and collect myself before continuing at a slower pace.The terrain presented additional challenges, particularly near the top of Col de la Crosatie (2822m), where the route involved technical climbing and scrambling. These sections required careful attention and deliberate foot placement, adding to the physical and mental demands of the day.Navigation throughout the route was straightforward as I was on a well-marked trail. However, I remained vigilant at junctions to ensure I stayed on the correct path. The descent through the forest was challenging, both physically and mentally, as I had to manage my fatigue and symptoms of dizziness carefully.
Challenges:
Physical: Quad discomfort, dehydration, dizziness from heat and altitude.
Mental: Managing the disappointment of having to slow down and reassess my pace.
Terrain: Technical climbing and scrambling near Col de la Crosatie, requiring focus and careful movement.Navigation: Generally straightforward but required attention at junctions.
This leg of the TDG route reinforced the importance of pacing, hydration, and listening to my body. The technical terrain near Col de la Crosatie added an extra layer of challenge, testing my climbing and scrambling skills. It was a valuable experience in managing physical challenges and making smart decisions to ensure I could continue safely. Despite the difficulties, I completed the leg and gained crucial insights that will inform my approach to the remaining stages of the route.