Snow report Ecrins, 03/26/2017

Snow condition

It's actually still halfway through winter on the pass. However, there is grass in places, especially on the south side. But from 2200 m it is still quite rideable. The north side is very good, you can ski down to the parking lot without any problems. No stone contact.

Snow quality

Unfortunately wind crust on the north side in places. At the right moment, slightly softened and reasonably powdery. Powder protected from the wind. Otherwise nice firn snow

The night to Monday brought a lot of wind from the south-east and gave the powder a light wind crust for the most part. Large cornices have formed on the summit ridge around 3000 m and the main danger is high alpine in the north sector in front of fresh drift snow. There have been reports of observed cracks over 50 cm. We didn't see anything on the tour apart from wet snow avalanches. For good reason, nobody was heading for the summit today.

Overall impression

The ski tour safari on the Col Lautaret was worthwhile. On the north side, the situation should ease somewhat over the next few days and you can still find good snow. Otherwise, spring-like temperatures are gnawing at the snow cover and you have to get up early.