Snow report Kitzbühel Alps, 12/10/2017

Snow condition

The snow conditions are quite inhomogeneous due to the wind. On the leeward side it looks quite good and you can get down there without any problems (3 stars). Many places exposed to the wind, ridges and crests are partly bare or heavily blown out. Streams and forest paths can still cause problems. The bottom line is 2 stars at the top end.

Snow quality

Very pleasant to ski despite lots of drifting snow. The last fresh snow is difficult to estimate with the wind, I would say around 20 cm. Every now and then you come across a harder surface, especially on the edges of the terrain. With a good eye, we were able to find good snow in the area today without any problems.

From the early hours of the morning, you could see the wind activity on the main ridge. Massive snow plumes could already be seen there. Numerous accumulations of drift snow could also be seen in the terrain as long as the sun was shining. We could see two snow slabs on the lee side, which were probably triggered remotely (ascent track and entrance were close by). Generally a tricky drift snow situation! Towards midday the clouds came in and there was a strong wind in the summit regions with corresponding snow drifting.

Overall impression

Until the storm with the clouds gathering, we had a relaxed, sunny day in the area with good snow. Then it was time to leave...