Snow report East Tyrol-North Carinthia, 05/10/2017

Snow condition

Defreggental: Road free to Johannishütte last week. Descent with skis possible to Johannishütte or to the steep step below the hut. Johannishütte to Defreggerhaus sufficient snow for descent/ascent on skis, but very stony, especially in the lower section. Snow conditions at the top ok. Amount of snow on the glaciers between 50cm and 4m, tends to be below average.Obersulzbachtal: Road currently also free up to the material cable car, cabs are driving. The road has been buried and cleared several times in the last week, but one of the typical avalanches has probably not yet occurred. Ski down to the lower end of the serpentines/first steep step below the material cable car. Tours from the material cable car onwards all have sufficient snow. The amount of snow on the Obersulzbachkees is about average. The areas outside the glacier are comparatively snowy on this side.

Snow quality

Already pretty blown out at the top yesterday. Last ascent from the north to the Venediger summit hard wind cover, uneven surface. Below, in less wind-exposed areas, pleasant, wind-influenced powder, transitioning to damp fresh snow at the bottom. Today, the snow cover from about Gletscherbruch height all the way down, warmer than yesterday and quite windy with south föhn. Still quite clear in the morning, weather deteriorating as the day progresses.

Note the drifting snow and daily warming. A few partly larger wet snow slabs can be seen on the steep step on both sides of the stream, as well as wet loose snow avalanches. Most of them probably a few days old. If it stays warm and doesn't freeze at night, consider the wet snow problem on the hut approach to the Kürsinger.

Overall impression

Standard routes Venediger, Schlieferspitz, Sonntagsköpfe etc were done, but no crowds. Wednesday in particular was a very beautiful, amazingly wintry day with nice snow in impressive surroundings. The main route to the Venediger was also pleasantly quiet. 4 stars for glacier scenery, good snow and pleasant peace and quiet.