Snow report Belledonne, 01/22/2019

Snow condition

We set off in the evening hours from the snow-covered Lans en Vercors parking lot up to the Pic Saint-Michel. It was possible to buckle up directly from the car and there was no ground to be seen on either side of the ascent. The ground was only visible around dense trees, but all around it was a compact and snow-covered surface. At just under 2000 m there were lots of stones because the wind had cleared the mountain a bit. After about 50 m downhill from the summit into a small gully, it was already possible again without the danger of sharks. However, you should avoid stone fields. A supposedly fun drop quickly turns out to be a springboard into the pebble pit

Snow quality

Old powder approx. 5-15 cm on hard crust. Often marked by the wind. Changeable but good grip. No ice.

Drift snow below the ridge. But it seemed to me to be well set. Be aware of the risk of falling through crevasses! Especially at night, the sparsely snow-covered holes and crevasses in the limestone mountains are a real source of danger.

Overall impression

Interesting nocturnal adventure with a view of Grenoble at night. It was worth it for that alone and the long-awaited snow is also on its way.