Snow report Ecrins, 03/18/2017

Snow condition

From the Col de Lautaret (2000m), the southern slopes are already somewhat snow-free. Below that it looks really bad. On the north side, the snow conditions are still good. However, steep exposed areas are very rocky and you can't ski all possible couloirs.

Snow quality

In fact, magically, there was some fresh snow from 2300 m upwards that "stuck" to the whole mountain, so we decided to do the "Classique Nord" of the Pic W in the hope of catching some good powder. Snow depths vary greatly between no snow at all, 10 cm and sometimes 30 cm of fresh snow or drift snow. The wind was probably swirling around, but in any case it was quite good to ski in some places. In others there was wind crust or ice and then powder snow at the bottom. The second exit to les Clochettes brought super firn.

Apart from a wet snow slide from the previous day above the Glacier de Combeynot, no activity on the way out. However, there is new drift snow in small areas, especially in hollows, and the little fresh snow covers old danger spots.

Overall impression

Super tour day that starts in winter and ends in spring. However, a proper dump is needed again, otherwise summer will arrive here very quicklyBig news: They are now also serving Paulaner at the Col de Lautaret The Chambon Tunnel has been closed again for a long time for a few days, but from Grenoble you can get to la Grave and the Col de Lautaret via an emergency routeMore information on the current situation at http://meteo05.sepcs.fr/bulletin/lautaret.htm