Snow report Stubai Valley, 04/20/2016

Snow condition

Known to be below average, but noticeably improved by the fresh snowfall at the beginning of the week. First snow on the north side from about 1400m, closed snow cover only above 1800m. From then on quite good and getting better and better upwards. The Mischbachferner was still so well covered in snow that it was possible to ascend the 45° steep northern flank almost completely (up to approx. 30 m) with skins and ski all the way down.

Snow quality

Thanks to the clear night, there was a completely frozen, stable layer of harsch in the lower area, which turned into wonderful firn in the course of the morning. Above approx. 2500m, the powder was still mostly settled and, despite some light wind cover, still great to ski, which is why the steep entrance from the summit and the passage over the Mischbachferner (both approx. 45°) were a dream. Fortunately, the powder turned almost seamlessly into firn on the descent - it could hardly be better at this time of year!

At lower altitudes (below approx. 2400m), the snow cover was obviously completely soaked yesterday, but everything froze again overnight. The still powdery snow in the upper area appeared to be well settled, we didn't observe any drift snow packs or other noticeable activity, apart from a few wet snow slides that detached themselves from the surrounding steep faces due to the warming.

Overall impression

Definitely one of the best days of the season! Powder on top, firn below, plus a great tour and fantastic weather with views from the Wetterstein to the Dolomites. Even 700 meters of ski carrying up to the snow line are quickly forgotten. You can hardly imagine a better spring ski tour! Objectively speaking, there are perhaps even better conditions, but subjectively it was an absolutely fantastic day of ski touring, so: five stars!