A winter climbing trip to Italy with friends Scott and John. Due to unusually warm weather, valley ice climbing conditions were excellent despite poor skiing snow.
On the first day, we climbed Tuborg, a 4+/5 ice route in Cogne. I led the initial pitch but experienced significant arm fatigue partway through, requiring an extended rest on vertical ice. What typically takes 30 minutes took me over 90 minutes, indicating I needed more training for serious alpine climbing.
The second day brought better results. After hiking into the Trient Valley from Col du Forclaz to climb four pitches, I felt more comfortable on ice. Good quality ice, good angle, varied, enjoyable. Great climbing and psyched for life!