Snow report Upper Valais, 11/18/2019

Snow condition

Unchanged from yesterday. Still a winter wonderland in the valley at 500m. But now getting slushy at the bottom (i.e. at 500m, not at the start of the tour at 1300m) and relatively warm overall.

Snow quality

As expected, the freshly fallen snow from yesterday has settled and calmed down. It is no longer soooo powdery but still light as a feather. Altogether easier to ride because it gives more grip.

Fortunately, the avalanche risk dropped back down to 3 overnight, although the overall situation is still tricky with road closures, compulsory chains and spontaneous avalanches overnight. We observed fewer spontaneous slides on the ascent today. Almost no slugh accompanying us on the descent. At 1200m on a south-facing slope, I discover a sliding snow crack with a lush green meadow underneath.

Overall impression

Our tracks from yesterday are closed again. The forest lies untouched before us. Magical! Still face shots at almost every turn and a group of 5 skiers who together make it possible to track 700 meters through deep snow and then simply experience pure powder again.
The next few days will be warmer and the snow should continue to settle and solidify. It will be warm and damp, especially at the bottom.
The Upper Valais is as good as set for almost the whole winter and after 5 days of skiing I'm probably already completely spoiled! A dream start!