Half a meter of fresh snow, wind and bluebird

Snow condition

Half a meter of fresh snow was needed. Very little carpet pad in the forest below 1500 m, very inhomogeneous above the tree line.

Snow quality

Lots of fresh snow: a dream in the steep forest! Unfortunately a bit too much for flat terrain because it's too slow.

We weren't in steep terrain, but aborted the tour because the views weren't worth it: too much wind in the ski terrain. However, the fresh snow was warm and seemed to have bonded well with the old snow, although it was also heavily transported and pressed by the wind.

Overall impression

Passo Sesis, Sappada, Dolomites on 06.01.2022 One of those dream days: fresh snow from the day before and a blue, cloudless sky in cold temperatures. We chose a defensive and flat route in view of the fresh snow and wind. It started with a long hike through a magical winter landscape! Then, from 1500 m upwards, a steep ascent through a snow-covered forest, which provided just enough underfoot. Then above the tree line, in the actual skiing terrain, the signs of wind were unmistakable. The snow cover varied greatly, with rocks, sharks and bushes everywhere, and the fresh snow pressed and blown. We turned back, made some nice deep turns and then pushed home. A slightly steeper tour, or north-facing terrain, might have been more rewarding. Va bene!