Snow report Northeastern Switzerland, 02/16/2020

Snow condition

For the most part, we waited in the north corridor. We took the gondola up from Chäppeliberg, past the Lidernerhütte, up Fulen, down to Schnierstock, up Blümberg and then down to the valley. There is good snow from 1500 meters upwards, mainly because there is snow in the wooded areas that is missing at the top. Above the tree line, the snow then steadily decreases up to the top due to the effects of the wind. Overall, rather below average for February.

Snow quality

Thanks to the choice of route, the snow was quite usable despite the outrageously high temperatures. From 12 o'clock onwards, however, the snow became very, very heavy. The only way out at the bottom was with a lot of pushing. But it was still possible to ski down into the valley.

The whole of Switzerland was reduced to a 2 yesterday. The whole of Switzerland? No, a small, indomitable part of the country has bravely maintained the 3 and rightly so. The wind had blown through the area and the snow on the south-facing slopes had become dangerously heavy. Nevertheless, some risk-taking touring gurus chose a few tricky variants today.

Overall impression

Starting at home at 5.30am in 14 degrees. That's pretty crazy. Record-breaking temperatures on site too. At least there wasn't much going on today. The parking lot at the gondola was only really full. Yesterday it was probably already full at 8 a.m.
After the first summit was more of a grab and go, we found some really good sections towards Blümberg.