Snow report Stubai Valley, 04/02/2016

Snow condition

The amount of snow is average for the time of year. But you can tell that the warm temperatures have taken their toll on the altitude. Above 2200m, the gullies are nicely filled and contact with the enemy is only possible if you are looking for it. It's a different story further down, so you have to be careful when choosing your route. However, the descent into the valley was still possible today.

Snow quality

Absolutely lousy! Probably the worst I've ever been "allowed" to ride! There was a thin film of clouds over it at night, but it was enough for a stable snow cover. Unfortunately, the clouds stayed. So we were able to take more time for the tour, but even on the descent at half past eleven the slush from yesterday was frozen hard. There were only rock-hard snowballs everywhere on a rough surface - not what you want after 1700m in the calves. Below 2300m it was bottomless slush due to the warmth. A bit of sun at the top would have been enough...

After the obviously avalanche-prone day yesterday, there was hardly anything left for loose snow avalanches on the surrounding rock faces. Without the sun, there were no problems in the morning today. Otherwise we would have had to be extremely early or turn back. Below 2300m, a bit of thinking was required to do justice to the justified 3. I wouldn't have wanted to be out here in the afternoon.

Overall impression

The thighs are still burning - so it was a good day. In fact, the ascent today was more exciting/fun than the descent. Because of the varied and absolutely recommendable tour, today gets a 2 - despite the snow, late evening arrival, struggling out of the bus at half past four.