Snow report Trentino, 12/07/2019

Snow condition

Start in Madonna di Campiglio at 1500m. There is already about 1m of compact snow cover with about 15cm of fresh snow on top, which is why you have to start at the end of the asphalted road and cannot continue on the forest road by car. The forest path is driven and pushed 200 m down to Malga Brenta Bassa, and there is generally a lot of snow in Val Brenta. Apart from a short section at the Scala di Brenta, you can walk everything with skins and there is also good snow in the gully. The former ice hump has probably melted a lot and is no longer visible, at least in the current snow conditions. There is not so much snow in the very upper part of the gully, about 30cm on ice and rock. But it's good enough to ski down.

Snow quality

In the lowest third of the gully, the snow has a wind cover. In the middle third there is settled powder snow and in the top third there is powdery, somewhat wind-pressed snow, but it is grippy and soft. All in all, good ascent and descent conditions in the gully, with nice, fluffy powder snow below the gully, where you can get through to the hard crust below approx. 2000m. On the way back, you have the pleasure of crossing large avalanche cones (chunks of ice with 15cm of fresh snow on top) before the steep section.

The LWD has issued a 1, although there is still some gliding and drifting snow to watch out for, and there have already been a few gliding snow avalanches. I have not seen any cracks that have not yet been discharged. Of course, you should avoid areas below the cracks and the snow cover in the gully has made a good impression. However, if fresh snow and wind blow in the uppermost part of the gully, the currently stable conditions could deteriorate very quickly.there was extensive surface frost with very large crystals on the shady valley floor (see photo). This could become relevant as a weak layer for the next snowfall. However, I didn't see the surface frost further up and in steeper places.

Overall impression

Wonderful gully in a generally very beautiful area. The Canalone Neri had been on our list for a long time, but now we were finally able to ski the gully in safe and good conditions. Due to its length (800m) and steepness (up to a real 50 degrees), the gully is relatively demanding. Combined with the long ascent, this is a tour that is probably better split over 2 days.
The winter room at the Rifugio Brentei has no stove, no cooking facilities and only a few blankets. It is therefore worth taking a slightly thicker sleeping bag with you.
Unfortunately, one star has to be deducted for the ascent. The Val Brenta is long, if you have to start from Madonna di Campiglio it is even longer. In addition, there is little ski-friendly terrain up to Malga Brenta Alta, neither on the ascent nor on the descent.

All in all, however, a worthwhile adventure for lovers of steep gullies!