Sannîne: Berland-True Summit-St. Marie cross- Grande coulée

This was supposed to be a small afternoon wander in the snow at Baqish, we ended up deciding to do something crazy and climb the mighty Sannine mountain to enjoy the magnificent sunset from the top!!
We had our jackets, sticks and some water on us with some food for Lika the wolf dog who accompanied us. No backpack, no snowshoes, nothing!
We started our climb at 3pm. Observing from below the steep long ascent awaiting us is terrifying, an unappetizing prospect of grueling vertical climb of approx. 580m over a distance of 1.55km to reach the top of Berland, it took us 1hour to reach the top with a moderate pace, persistent effort and intermittent breaking. Do not over exhaust urself, as u r still at the beginning of your journey.
Reaching the top, u are now at 2200m altitude and u still have a good amount of mounting up to reach the true summit of Sannine which is at 2628m.
Have a small break, enjoy the vast expanse panorama and start ur second push up towards Sannine true summit. Ascending another 450m to reach it, walking between the “gouffres” of Mt. Sannine and enjoying the splendid panorama.
At this peak, we were able to see most of the major mountains and peaks of Lebanon: Qornet Es Sawda, Tannourine, Laqlouq, Akoura, zaarour, Kneisseh, Barouk, Hermon, Anti-Lebanon, Makmel... and of course Bekaa valley and Beirut and the Mediterranean sea....
What a beautiful feeling of great success after all these climbingg!!
Then, started heading towards Sainte Marie cross, which took us 50mins. This part is not easy, be cautious.
We sat there, watching the beautiful sunset, didn't blink our eyes, a breathtaking view that u cant get enough of it. Waited for the sunset to almost finish and prepared ourself for the adventurous descent of Grande Coulée at Twilight.
Non ending lonnngg descent of 800m over a distance of approx. 1.7km. Indescribable rush of adrenaline. Non stop running and “sliding while standing” with extra cautiousness and focus that took us 15mins.
And finally, a 10mins walk to the car.
It was a sunny day, with high temperatures, snow condition was perfect: IT WASN'T ICED!! Otherwise, its not safe to mount up or go down these coulée. If u slip and slide nothing can stop u!! That’s y the only tool i kept is my sticks with a tough pointed metal in their bottom that can grooves in ice just in case.
I rated it very difficult due its steep angles, and consider adding the fact that u need to double the effort in snowy condition. If ur body’s physical capability is not used to sustain endurance i advise u not to do it. (Its very challenging and with the lack of oxygen on such high altitude u might find urself suffering from exhaust instead of enjoying ur trip.
Last but not least: in this area there are possible mines. In winter time, when snow is covering, we can venture outside the 4x4 trail but in summer time DO NOT. Please refer to our friend Rami Rachkidi for more advices and details. He did it on feb.2021.