The fog hangs in the valley, the days are getting shorter, the nights cooler, the drinks warmer. Industry magazines report either enthusiastically or critically on the events that hit every glacier every weekend. It's the most beautiful time of the year. It's fall. But especially for skiers who tend to be (i.e. exclusively) off-piste, the time before the real start of winter and the first heavy snowfalls holds a considerable number of dangers that should be taken into account.
So what can dampen the anticipation of the first days in the snow?
The rocks
In early winter, the snow only superficially covers the very dangerous stone and rock formations, especially at higher altitudes. Such sharks are a significant source of danger because it is almost impossible to predict their position - they are usually only found when it is too late. Unfortunately, it happens far too often that motivated freeriders seriously injure themselves on rocks that are only lightly covered in snow at the start of the season. Those unfamiliar with the terrain in particular should think carefully about which line to take if they are not fully aware of the snow conditions. In the best case scenario, your sports equipment will be damaged, in the worst case, your body.
The crevasses
Another toxic danger of early winter concerns glacier areas; logically, we are talking about crevasses. Where and when crevasses appear in the glacier ice follows certain rules - transitions in the glacier shape are particularly dangerous. For example, when the ice flows over a step in the terrain, stresses are created that cause cracks. Water flowing off the surface of the ice does not usually form long crevasses, as caused by the movement of the ice, but glacier mills - round holes through which the water flows from the surface into or under the glacier. Glacier mills can also be found on otherwise harmless-looking parts of the glacier.
Glaciers, and with them the crevasses, change from year to year, sometimes considerably, especially after a summer as hot as the last one. "I know where the crevasses are from last year anyway" is not a good risk management strategy. In general, it is particularly important to be careful after the first snowfalls, when crevasses are hidden but not snowed over. It's best to stay away from unknown zones, even if there are tracks.
The snow
It is a universal law that snow makes everything more attractive. Snow takes the rough edges off nature and spreads beauty and tranquillity every winter. However, the early winter snow cover is not only pretty to look at, but often also lays the foundation for the rest of the winter.
In the fall, the first more or less light snowfalls are often followed by relatively long periods of stable, sunny weather. The snow cover may not yet be very thick, but even quite small amounts are enough to insulate the ground. This means that even ground that was frozen before the snowfall will soon be around 0 degrees again under the snow. The snow surface, on the other hand, cools down considerably in calm, radiant weather. There is a sharp temperature gradient within the snow cover between the warm ground and the very cold surface. This favors the build-up transformation and the crystals become angular and increasingly less cohesive. Firstly, this is not so great for skiing in, as you fall through to the ground all the more, and secondly, it often remains a problem throughout the winter as floating snow close to the ground. If the one or other layer of snow then forms, it snows a little more and the wind blows, the starting position is extremely unfavorable. The snow cover can easily be disturbed, especially when the snow thickness is low. Even if there is so little snow that burial is unlikely (can never be completely ruled out, of course), it may be enough to be swept over rocks and injure yourself.
The people
In addition to the factors of terrain, weather and snow, a not insignificant aspect of the start of the season is the social environment. This is probably the most difficult challenge of early winter. On the one hand, you're bursting with motivation as soon as you've sniffed the glacier air for the first time in the season, and on the other, it's usually healthier to display the Zen Buddhist composure of an experienced stoner right now.
Why is that? Firstly, the first snowy days of winter are naturally on a glacier, and equally naturally you don't live on a glacier. The body is probably simply not used to the altitude at this time of year and therefore tires more quickly. In addition, winter sports-specific movement patterns have become a little rusty over the summer.
Secondly, it doesn't just affect you, but most people up there. Lots of over-motivated people, possibly overwhelmed by the altitude. Low sun. And alcohol. Compared to the lift queue of every glacier gondola in autumn, a mosh pit is a workshop for expressive dance. Tip here: Be physically prepared for the season. Get a good run in on the slopes and include a technical program. Don't get stressed. Have a muesli bar and water with you. Enjoy the beer all the more afterwards.
Stephan Skrobar is a state-certified ski instructor and ski guide, skis in the Fischer Freeski Team, is an alpine instructor for the Styrian Ski Instructors Association, team manager of the Pieps Freeride Team and head of the Die Bergstation Freeride & Alpin Center. Stephan also runs a communications agency and loves cultivated punk rock. Both (Stephan and punk rock) are not always to be taken seriously.
