Snow report Zugspitz Arena, 04/29/2016

Snow condition

Still quite ok for the end of April, closed snow cover on the north side from about 1500m. The cirques and gullies are still quite full further up, but a few stones come out now and again. In the downhill variant we skied (2400-1500m, 35-47°), it could have been a lot more, especially in the lower section. But as I said, it's okay for April 30th, but it won't be worth it for much longer.

Snow quality

Above about 2000m on the north side, as hoped, still fine, well-set powder, fantastic to ski. Further down in the late morning, the powder was already heavy and deep, quite exhausting. Our descent variant was in the north/northeast exposure. With the right timing, you might also have found good firn in other exposures.

LWD Tirol reported level 1 in the morning - in the morning everything still looked very good, either there was well-set powder or, where the snow was already soaked the day before, a completely frozen cover of harsh snow. On the descent, the loss of firmness of the snow cover due to the sunlight could already be observed, and in the steep passages, some loose snow came with the turns (but this was probably more of a risk of falling than burying). The numerous loose snow avalanches that detached themselves from the surrounding steep faces around midday were also striking. In other words: be back down early!

Overall impression

Great tour in the Miemingers, with fantastic weather, still very good snow in the upper area and not a soul far and wide. Only the snow quality and conditions in the lower area could have been better.