We went to Parc National du Mercantour to try our equipment on. La Vallée du Boréon is a beautiful place in winter as well as in summer.

Along the riverbed...

... a couple of stops for a drink or a bite...

a few more steps and here we are...

The old refuge might stay another winter, before being replaced by a new large building. Generations of mountaineers have used that old army barrack on their way to the surrounding passes and summits.