Snow report Verbier, 02/02/2014

Snow condition

The southern Lower Valais is definitely one of the regions that are too often ignored by Mrs. Holle. There is generally little snow. Nevertheless, many tours and variants are possible above 1800m, if only there wasn't this insidious old snow problem...

Snow quality

After the precipitation from February 1 to 2, there was about 20 cm of fresh snow in the ski area. However, we headed towards the Simplon Pass on 2 February, as more than twice as much fresh snow fell there (40-50 cm). Powder hunger can be satisfied on shady slopes. Where the sun shone, the snow was wet up to high altitudes. So after cold nights, you can once again expect a crust.

Considerable, main danger fresh drifting snow. The fresh snow was intensively transported by SE winds during the course of the day. Small, wet avalanches broke loose on very sunny slopes. Generally very warm for the time of year. In southern Lower Valais, there are still warnings of a weak old snow foundation on very steep north-facing slopes. As long as no large amounts of fresh snow have settled, I would pay close attention to this warning.

Overall impression

The area is one of my favorites! The photos were taken on February 1st in one of the countless couloir variants in the Le Luisin south flank. The terrain in the ski area of Les Marécottes was already quite rutted, but with a bit of good will you could always find some nice spots. And anyway, what more could you want than skiing on a Monday with sunshine, good snow, amazing views and zero competition?