Dolomiten

Today, Wednesday, is still characterized by a short-lived intermediate high, but there is already a strong new low off the Iberian Peninsula. Bit by bit, it is closing in on the high and should make its presence felt as early as tomorrow night with a strong south-westerly flow.

At 2,913 m, the Östl. Puezspitze is one of the highest peaks in the Puez-Geisler group in the Dolomites. In combination with the northern descent, this tour is certainly one of the most beautiful, but also most challenging undertakings in the mountain group.

It's 2018 and the whole of Dolomitija is occupied by ski resorts. Really all of Dolomiti? No, a small village in the heart of the Dolomites proudly refuses to join the snowmaking circus: Lungiarü, surrounded by the sharp Dolomite peaks of the Puez and Odle groups.

When snow forecast cards appear in the Facebook feed, then and only then is it officially winter. The Oracle, always waiting in the Ullr shrine, is of course also informed and is delighted that Ullr is sending out his first sign of life and returning to his kingdom. I would like to share this happy news with you.

San Martino di Castrozza is no longer a real insider tip, even if it is a little quieter after fresh snowfall than in the absolute hotspots. There are of course also opportunities for ski tours from the numerous lifts, with the Cima Valcigolera offering a rewarding descent with a short ascent.

My eyelids are as heavy as lead, I'm sitting in the bathroom scrubbing my teeth. It's just after 12 and we've just come back from our night tour. I'm sitting there, enjoying the view over the illuminated San Martino di Castrozza and asking myself "were those our best shots yet - do we even stand a chance with them?" The boys are already relaxed in bed and listening to Jeremy Jones talking about the unique lines on Svalbard, raving about lots of snow and good conditions - hopefully we'll find them tomorrow.

As in a theater play, the coming snowfall is divided into several acts that actually belong together, as there are only minimal breaks between the precipitation.

Most people have already seen it: The maps are getting more colorful, the crowds more massive, the ski internet is going crazy. It's southern traffic jam time.

Live from the Valais, I can tell you that Alarm 8 was actually very nice. Three days of powder and, surprisingly, three days of sunshine later, it's now alarm nine, which is valid until Monday, when alarm 10 should appear.

Florian Ramsauer reports for PowderGuide on his participation in the Salewa Climb to Ski Camp, an unquestionably unconventional ski touring, freeriding and ski mountaineering camp. Together with professional athletes from the organizer and alpine outfitter Salewa and local mountain guides, the group spent four days roaming the outstanding terrain around the Dolomite village of San Martino di Castrozza in fresh snow and perfect weather.

Last weekend, the "King of Dolomites" photo contest was held for the third time in San Martino di Castrozza. Once again, 14 professional and over 100 amateur teams had the opportunity to put their riding and photography skills to the test and capture the best moments around the impressive Pala Group.

The last alarm for a while, Ullr thinks, and sends us the next pack of Pow in the Alps, just in time for the carnival vacations. Ullr seems to have a soft spot for carnival fans and sends snow to the south and southwest. And in all likelihood, there will be a lot of it by Tuesday. This alert is only valid until Sunday, but I'll try to give you an idea of the total amounts.