Snow report Lötschental, 01/17/2015

Snow condition

On both days, there was consternation about the still poor snow conditions on the otherwise snow-rich Simplon Pass and Lötschental. This is generally below 2000m. Rain and heat have affected the snow cover. If there is a base, it is proving to be frozen solid right up to high altitudes. Where there is normally a thick blanket of snow at this time of year, stones are still peeking out. Nevertheless, there is enough snow for great fun, even if you have to reckon with stone contact.

Snow quality

Cold, airy powder that was hardly affected by the wind. On the north side of the Simplon Pass it continued to snow intensively at times on 17.01., resulting in a total of around 40 cm of fresh snow. In the Lötschental, the precipitation was less abundant. However, thanks to the altitude of the ski area from 2100m to 3100m, 30-40cm fell here too.

Considerable, danger of new and drift snow at all expos above 2200m. Despite justified fears, we did not observe any avalanche activity. Thanks to the south-facing orientation of the runs in the ski area, the snowpack structure is often somewhat more favorable.

Overall impression

Two fantastic days that are still like balm for our battered freerider souls! The only downside is the poor base. Winter, please keep it up!