Miroir d'Argentine
Description
The "Miroir d'Argentine" is a magnificent limestone massif overlooking Solalex with its northwest face. Its highest peak is 2422 metres above sea level. The name "Miroir d'Argentine" refers to its smooth, mirror-like northwest face.
The "Miroir d'Argentine" is an ancient Cretaceous seabed that has been straightened and bent by the intense folding of the entire limestone Alps chain. MOUNTAINEERS ATTACK THE "MIROIR D'ARGENTINE" The slab of the Miroir d'Argentine is an impressive challenge for sport climbers. The first ascent of the Miroir was made in May 1922 by three students from Lausanne, despite the snow and ice! The normal route was climbed in 1926 by another team, guided by Armand Moreillon, a resident of Plans-sur-Bex. At the time, with no other belay than a rope held by the strength of the arms, there was no question of falling... In the 1930s and 1940s, new routes were opened, this time with belaying pitons hammered in. The equipment, like the shoes, gradually improved. Today, some fifteen climbing routes equipped with metal spits traverse the 400 m of the wall. The climber in full effort has little time to worry about the fossils that dot the rock. On the other hand, he can notice that as he climbs, the slope decreases. In fact, the slab is not flat but arched, as it follows the curvature of the great fold that forms the Argentine massif. The folding has also created cracks in the rock, like when you fold an eraser. These cracks are privileged paths for climbers, for example along the Normale and Directe routes. Moreover, as the water flows through these cracks, it chemically dissolves the limestone. The water gradually creates winding gullies in which climbers can find good footing. FOR HIKERS If you prefer hiking, don't miss the Tour de l'Argentine, which takes just under 5 hours from Solalex.
Practical Information
It is from Solalex, easily reached from Gryon or Villars, that you have one of the best views of the Miroir d'Argentine.
The "Miroir d'Argentine" is a magnificent limestone massif overlooking Solalex with its northwest face. Its highest peak is 2422 metres above sea level. The name "Miroir d'Argentine" refers to its smooth, mirror-like northwest face.
The "Miroir d'Argentine" is an ancient Cretaceous seabed that has been straightened and bent by the intense folding of the entire limestone Alps chain. MOUNTAINEERS ATTACK THE "MIROIR D'ARGENTINE" The slab of the Miroir d'Argentine is an impressive challenge for sport climbers. The first ascent of the Miroir was made in May 1922 by three students from Lausanne, despite the snow and ice! The normal route was climbed in 1926 by another team, guided by Armand Moreillon, a resident of Plans-sur-Bex. At the time, with no other belay than a rope held by the strength of the arms, there was no question of falling... In the 1930s and 1940s, new routes were opened, this time with belaying pitons hammered in. The equipment, like the shoes, gradually improved. Today, some fifteen climbing routes equipped with metal spits traverse the 400 m of the wall. The climber in full effort has little time to worry about the fossils that dot the rock. On the other hand, he can notice that as he climbs, the slope decreases. In fact, the slab is not flat but arched, as it follows the curvature of the great fold that forms the Argentine massif. The folding has also created cracks in the rock, like when you fold an eraser. These cracks are privileged paths for climbers, for example along the Normale and Directe routes. Moreover, as the water flows through these cracks, it chemically dissolves the limestone. The water gradually creates winding gullies in which climbers can find good footing. FOR HIKERS If you prefer hiking, don't miss the Tour de l'Argentine, which takes just under 5 hours from Solalex.
Practical Information
It is from Solalex, easily reached from Gryon or Villars, that you have one of the best views of the Miroir d'Argentine.