Snow report North chain, 03/25/2018

Snow condition

Start at Gramartboden, from there you have to carry your skis on your back for a while to the point where the forest path crosses the Höttinger Graben, otherwise the snow conditions in the Graben itself and further up are very good. Gipfelface is snowed in better than it has been for a long time.

Snow quality

If you ski down at the right time in the right exposure, you will find good firn. However, you have to be very early for south-east facing slopes. They were already too wet when we left at 10:30 am. A little less inclined to the east was much better. Good firn on the south and south-west sides.

The snow cover is well frozen due to the clear night. The snow cover softens very quickly, however, due to the strong sunlight. Therefore, watch out for wet snow avalanches, even in the morning with the temperatures. avalanche cones of wet loose snow avalanches, probably from the lecture, were visible.

Overall impression

After a long time of waiting, it finally worked out with the ascent of the front Brandjochspitze :) The upper part of the descent is quite challenging (approx. 45 degrees), then flattens out as it progresses.
Start at 2 or 3 o'clock at Gramartboden. Ascent through the Höttinger Graben, mostly on skis, then a steeper section with an avalanche cone on foot. Then onwards with skis under the gully and a few hundred meters in altitude with crampons on a direct route to the summit.
It was worth staying up all night to have already covered a good distance by sunrise. Even if the tour is longer than you think.
Beautiful line in an impressive face with good firn.