Snow report Pitztal, 02/28/2021

Snow condition

Good snow conditions in the Pitztal valley, easy to start with skis directly from Plangeross. Even on the summer trail in the forest there is still snow throughout, on the descent it is better to stay a little more in the area of the stream bed. There was no ice contact in the upper gully next to the hanging glacier, and almost everyone makes a ski depot before the last gully leading up to the saddle. But if you like, the snow conditions also allow you to ski down directly from the saddle.

Snow quality

It was already clear beforehand that it wouldn't be a dream powder. Nevertheless, we found even better snow than we had expected and skied eastwards from the saddle at around 3450m at 12 noon. It had already become slightly soft on the surface. In the upper part of the descent, however, the conditions were basically very hard, as it doesn't get soft at altitude with the slightly lower temperatures than last week. northeast, below approx. 2900m, the snow then became more powdery. So there were still some nice turns. The best snow was on the north-east side below approx. 2200m (powdery and with less wind influence).

Conditions are favorable in the morning, with the main danger currently coming from sliding and wet snow avalanches. While the former are unpredictable, the latter disappear as the day warms up. Depending on the altitude and exposure, it is therefore advisable to end the tour in good time.the south-facing slopes in the area of the Plangerossalpe have already completely cleared. As a result, the south-facing slopes are almost bare and there are quite large avalanche cones in the valley.

Overall impression

Very long but beautiful tour to the Watzespitze in the Pitztal.
Conditions are currently good for the tour. However, a good level of fitness is required (approx. 1950 m), good crampon technique and a bit of climbing ability and a head for heights for the last part on the rock. According to the locals, the last part in the rock is currently in very good conditions and is otherwise more difficult. We took a rope etc. with us but left it in our backpacks. A short 2nd degree section, otherwise somewhat easier and often a good trudge in the snow. The ridge is very exposed in places, but can be well secured with head slings if necessary.

Definitely a long, but scenically very rewarding tour. The panorama from the summit and the beautiful hanging glacier make up for the long climb.