Snow report Kitzbühel Alps, 02/16/2020

Snow condition

Note the other CR from today in the same region, the situation differs significantly for the Kaiser-Nordkare. There is sufficient snow in the Griesner Kar, which is consistently north-facing, and also in the valley. Descent to the lower parking lot would theoretically also be possible off the trail. Surprisingly good snow conditions in the high forest, less than last year of course, but also easy to enjoy away from wind-exposed areas. The fresh snow, which has now settled heavily, averages more than 20 cm.

Snow quality

Only really fine, settled powder (4*) right at the top down to the bowl. At last full throttle this winter. Below 1700, unfortunately already damp and sluggish, but at least soft and still pushable (2*). Frozen through below 1000m, good for skating out.

In the Griesner, all the usual nicks have been groomed today at the latest. The bound snow made an uncertain first impression and then somehow held up well. However, no profile was made to look for the old snow problem. LWD reported level 2 over 2000

Overall impression

I think we did better than average for the region today in the Kaiser; we had already considered going for firn on the south side, but then abandoned it for fear of the sun. The summit slope alone is in the upper 4* range. Unfortunately, the fun came at a price, although the rest of the route was also somehow easy. Almost 3 stars in the overall rating.