Berchtesgaden Alps on 20.01.2024 | benji_01

Snow condition

The snow conditions are average. Below 1,500 m, there is hardly any usable snow in the forest or in snow corridors. In addition, watch out for stones at all altitudes. A well-known saying in the Berchtesgadener Land is: "He who does not honor the stones is not worth the BGD powder." Overall, I would estimate that just under 50-70 cm of settled snow would make significantly more tours possible. Unfortunately, you can only reach the valley up to just under 1,400 m, so you have to walk the last 300 m.

Snow quality

The snow quality is generally ok. At the bottom there is about 8-10 cm of fresh snow on a hard and icy layer. Further up, from about 2,000 m, there is almost 15 cm of fresh snow, but also on a very hard surface. Overall, the whole thing is easy to ski, but only with the handbrake on. So the spoiled CRer in me, who is used to this year's Tyrolean conditions, wonders what exactly the Berchtesgaden/Salzburgers call prime conditions or top powder... It seems to be rarely good there.

The current main danger should be stones and the risk of falling on the hard surface. The influence of the wind has so far been very limited, so there is little drift snow. However, this will increase with increasing altitude and should definitely be taken into account when choosing a route.

Overall impression

The Hohe Göll is a very beautiful ski tour in terms of scenery. From my point of view, the skiing is not very interesting except for the summit slope and, due to the snow conditions, there is always a risk of injury from stones. Nevertheless, a beautiful tour with good views and great weather, but also freezing cold.