Val Venosta on 26.03.2024 | winterkind

Snow condition

We were touring in the southern part of the Ötztal from Sunday to today. When we arrived on Saturday afternoon, precipitation set in, which brought a few cm at 1900 m and quickly increased to a maximum of 20 cm from approx. 2300 m by Monday morning. On average around 15 cm. We were only on the north side, where the snow conditions were perfect from around 1900 m. On the sunny side, there are hardly any meaningful tours below 2400 m possible without walking, and the trend is rising.

Snow quality

In the forest you could feel the carpet pad from time to time, but above it you could enjoy the best cruising in the light, butter-soft powder in the wind-protected terrain.

Yesterday, the south wind brought fresh snow to the summit regions and exposed areas. However, the accumulations of drift snow are manageable and clearly visible (we were always below summit level these days). With tomorrow's precipitation and wind, the avalanche situation may increase again. An early start and an early finish will be highly advisable as temperatures rise.

Overall impression

Three days of touring in "high winter" with snowfall and perfect weather. Everything was there and the conditions were really fluffy for the end of March.