Guest blog post from friend of the brand and Whitedot skis Team member
"There is
always great motivation to get some decent early season ski touring ‘in the
legs’ so it becomes a bit easier later in the season when the longer routes
come ‘in condition’.
There also
the added bonus of escaping the New Year crowds and hours of queuing for lifts!
It usually
involves some cunning route selections, first lift (if you are going for lift
assists), or heading straight out from the back garden into the forest trails.
But this season has been especially difficult, in terms of route selection,
with what has proven not only a thin snow base but where it has snowed a high
avalanche risk. Although, Schumacher has unfortunately grabbed the headlines
over the last week, the Swiss Guides press release concerning avalanche
fatalities did not make good reading. There have been far too many ski tourers
caught out on medium and high mountain areas on 35-45 degree pitches who have
lost their lives.
And the
snow pack doesn’t look like it is going to get too much safer just yet.
Fortunately,
we have had some good local advice and our own experiences which has kept us,
fingers crossed, training and testing in the right areas in and around Chamonix
over the last 10 days or so. We focused on some of the glacier bowls which do
not breach over the 35 degree gradients, or forest skiing where snow levels
have permitted.
We even ski
toured up forest tracks upto lift areas and then skied the patrolled areas! The
key was to stay safe and have the patience that the pack will
stabilise….eventually.
And, as
always, we have skied with ABS airbags, 1st Aid kit, shovel, probes
and transceivers.
Some areas
we covered:
Col
D’Argentiere – Glacier d’Argentiere basin (bottom and mid-section avoiding
large crevasse area below the col. Although, traditionally this are is left
alone until February….the even gradients and accessibility made this area very
inviting as it gives a great ‘remoteness’ feel to the
day.
Vallee de
Berard – Although the ‘bush-wacking’ at the valley floor is tiring, the terrain
thereafter is open and therefore the avalanche risk areas can be avoided.
Glacier de
Blatiere approach/surrounds – The ski touring terrain above the mid-station of
the Aiguille du Midi lift is vast, and relatively easy gradients allows easy
route selection. The descent options are also safe as you quickly fall into
forest terrain and forest trails... Mark"
