Snow report Stubai Valley, 12/26/2013

Snow condition

Despite the large amounts of fresh snow of just over 50cm (and significantly more in blown-in areas), the snow conditions are still well below average. Most variants are now possible (especially above about 2500m), but even at the highest altitudes you can still catch some stones. Below the Fernau middle station there was almost nothing left before the snowfall, the amount of fresh snow is also less (30-40cm), you can get down into the valley with difficulty (as well as contact with stones and mountain pines), but this is not particularly useful yet. All in all, not amazing, but at least better than in the last few weeks.

Snow quality

Actually quite usable snow. Not the fluffiest unbound powder (due to the wind and not very cold temperatures), but by no means bad. Wind influence is actually noticeable everywhere, the snow is also bound everywhere. Nevertheless, there was a decent sinking depth, in flat areas it was necessary to get stuck and push despite wide skis.

Critical. Lots of fresh snow with wind, plus a mostly completely hard/icy base. Many loose snow avalanches and a few snow slabs, most of which had already fallen during the snowfall or were triggered during blasting work. During the morning I observed 2 snow slabs triggered by skiers in terrain that was actually not too steep, as well as 2 spontaneous avalanches. If there hadn't been so much snow already, more would certainly have happened. From midday onwards, a strong Föhn wind came up again, which once again moved a lot of snow. Avoid steep terrain at all costs.

Overall impression

One of the best days in the Stubai for a long time, especially as it was fairly relaxed as there were almost only tourists around. They come in groups of 8 to 10 like ants on every slope, but only when there are already tracks. As not all the lifts were open, there might even be something left for tomorrow if the wind doesn't ruin everything...