Southwest Ridge (Voie normale from Cabane de Moiry)
- Approach Time
- 2-3 h
- Ascent Time
- 5-7 h
- Descent Time
- 3-5 h
This is the standard and best-known route to Grand Cornier. It is a classic alpine ridge climb combining glacier travel, snow slopes, and short rocky sections. The route is generally straightforward in dry, stable conditions but requires competence with crevasse travel and route-finding on the glacier. The upper ridge can involve exposed scrambling and mixed climbing, with conditions varying significantly by season. Objective hazards include crevasses, rockfall, and hard snow or ice on the upper mountain. It is usually climbed from the Cabane de Moiry, which serves as the normal base for the ascent.
Route Outline
Cabane de Moiry -> Glacier de Moiry
Cross glacier to the base of the southwest ridge
Climb the ridge and mixed rock/snow slopes
Reach the summit of Grand Cornier
Descend by the ascent route to Cabane de Moiry