Snow report Trentino, 05/16/2016

Snow condition

The valleys are free of snow until quite far up, on the north side the snow started from about 2200m (this had the advantage that you could drive on the forest road to the parking lot at just under 1900m instead of starting in Stavel at 1300m). Further up, the snow conditions are actually pretty good, crevasses are covered in thick snow and there was also a lot of snow on the north face.

Snow quality

Quite optimal: in the northern flank of the Presanella (approx. 3000-3550m) mostly still well-set, wind-pressed powder, partly with a light wind cover. Just right for the north face, which is over 50° steep in places, grippy and very easy to ski. Further down, in the course of the morning, there was wonderful firn on which you could really let it run. Top!

All in all, very stable, in the mornings at lower altitudes, a compact, frozen cover of harsh snow from the cold night. The last significant snowfall dates back to Thursday, which is why the powder that can still be found in the northern exposure had settled well.

Overall impression

Another one of those amazing days when everything just fits: Great weather, a stable avalanche situation and a fantastic descent down a classic steep face in super snow conditions. Brilliant!