From Grandvillard railway station to Vanil Noir (2389m) via Bounavalette and then SW approach to summit. Descent to N, then W and S to Bonnavalette and Grandvillard. Both routes standard ways of reaching Vanil Noir. Ascent has many fixed ropes. Descent has few fixed ropes and exceptionally this year a significant extent of snow. Me leading. With James Bellarby. Misty from time to time. Marmots and ibex sighted. Ibex photographed at close quarters. 9 ½ hours.