Simplon Pass on 04.01.2024 | benji_01

Snow condition

For starting at almost 2,000 m, the snow conditions are ok. However, up to 3,000 m you can clearly see the blown-on ridges and sometimes even the entire gravel runs. So there is still a lot of snow needed here.

Snow quality

Out and about on the Simplon Pass today. The snow quality is good, there was about 15 cm of fresh snow overnight, but it fell under the influence of strong winds. There are nice runs and good slopes, but it's not really fluffy powder snow, but powder snow influenced by the wind. Further down, where the sun is already working well, there is broken snow.

The main danger at the moment is drift snow. This lies in all exposures and the drift snow packs are quite enormous in size. The wind is always at work overnight, which is why the avalanche report was raised from moderate (2+) to considerable (3-) in the morning.

Overall impression

The Simplon Pass is very beautiful. Sunny and in view of the north face of the Fletschhorn, a ski tour in good snow is great fun. Unfortunately only 2 stars, as 1. the snow conditions are not super good, 2. the weather forecast doesn't exactly promise any improvement and 3. the touring options are limited due to the strong wind.