Ailefroide (Cold Alley) is one on Europe\'s answers to the fabled Yosemite, with soaring granite walls rising above a tiny isolated village and glorious Alpine meadows. The valley has long been an access route to the high mountains, but rock climbing began here in 1948 (§check) with Lionel Terray\'s ascent of the compelling line of the Fissure d\'Ailefroide. Development has continued down the years will small sport sectors - initially for guides to train their clients - and longer multi-pitch routes tacking the taller faces. Today the place is extremely popular and the high season (July and August) sees the campsite meadows full and hundreds of climbers dotted about the many classic routes that surround it.