Snow report Piedmont, 12/26/2013

Snow condition

The snow conditions here are very good for the end of December! There are winters when the first snow doesn't come here until January. Not so this year: as early as mid-November, there was a good 1.5 meters of snow at 2000m. With the fresh snow of the last few days, the total then adds up to almost 2 meters, although this is very unevenly distributed due to the incessant wind. A closed snow cover can be found from around 1400m. Most of the ridges have been completely blown away, and in some places huge drifts and cornices have already formed.

Snow quality

Very different. The 20 cm fell last night with so much wind that today, even between the trees, it was more of a technical workout than a pleasure. In sheltered, north-facing hands, however, you can still find the finest powder, but be aware of the avalanche situation here! On the south side, it warmed up considerably during the day, so that we found the best spring conditions below 2200m at midday today.

In the avalanche report from MeteoFrance, a 4 was given above 2100m and a 3 below 2100. These are both quite appropriate, although they can be assessed very differently locally. The areas filled with large amounts of drift snow are numerous but easy to recognize. On the south side, the danger of wet snow avalanches increases with warming. The overgrown areas should also be avoided, for example, there is a good slab of snow between 2 officially open ski routes.

Overall impression

Nice for a start, but we expected more from the fresh snow of the past few days. Still quite easy to ski in the morning, then quickly became difficult (thermometer showed 18 degrees in the sun at 12 o'clock at 1700 m). Let's see how the conditions develop over the weekend. Pictures will follow, if the internet allows it ;)