Firn

Unfortunately, too much time has passed for many people since the last major snowfall in mid-January. Since then, a very stable area of high pressure has dominated large parts of Central Europe and ensured long-lasting warm temperatures. This triggered euphoria among some climbing enthusiasts, powder fans got long faces and yet not all freeriders lost their motivation, because the best snow after powder is known to be firn. But just as with fresh snowfall, there are a few things to bear in mind when there is no snowfall.

When the snow slowly disappears and the sun gains strength, it's Figl time again! Hardly any other piece of sports equipment symbolizes the transition from winter to spring in the Alps as much as the Figl - short for firn glider. What was once born out of necessity is now almost a cultural asset of alpine skiing.

We're not complaining any more, because the recent snowfalls have provided surprisingly good conditions, especially on the southern slopes of the Alps. The Alps are currently enjoying perfect weather thanks to blocking high pressure over Central Europe. The conditions for ski tours are quite good where there is snow and especially where it has recently snowed and should be taken advantage of. The outlook is not clearly promising, but a comeback of winter is quite possible in connection with a sudden stratospheric warming. So there is hope, and as long as there is hope, let's hold on to it.

Foehn storms in the north, metres of fresh snow at (very) high altitudes in the south, record temperatures followed by a sharp drop in temperature with a cold front: the last few days have been quite something. The weather has now calmed down somewhat. The next, much weaker southerly foehn is on the horizon for the weekend, probably with summer heat and no precipitation.

The PowderGuide weather service is saying goodbye for the season, the usual data on new snow, snow depths, sunshine, etc. will no longer be updated from now on. We'll continue next winter!

The forecast for the Easter weekend is still quite uncertain, but at the moment it looks like calm, rather cool weather. The current southerly flow (partly with Saharan dust again) is expected to end on Friday with a cold front. This will be followed by a north-easterly flow with cooler temperatures.

If it were in any way promising, the WeatherBlog would go on strike. But unfortunately, as we all know, you can't negotiate with the weather and so we remain trapped in the dry boredom of the concrete high, which is slowly but surely becoming a depressing monotony. On the crystal ball horizon there are signs, albeit still uncertain, of a late frost.

Faction is now well established as a pure freeski brand, but is still an (almost) unknown agent in the touring ski sector. With the Agent series, Faction now has an interesting touring ski line in its programme, although it is perhaps worth noting that the models marked with an "X", i.e. Agent 1.0X, Agent 2.0X and so on, are basically the same skis.

There's still a bit left and in Chamonix anyway, but the search for powder is becoming increasingly difficult and it's clear that it's high time to start thinking about the approaching summer! So, our climbing projects for 2021: Big Island Assis or King Capella? Or maybe wrestling in Senegal? Or a highline on a ski tour? Or do you still have high alpine ambitions? Firn, powder or steep faces? Or roadgaps like Markus? In any case, summer will come and is somehow already here.

The ski touring season is far from over for many, but with today's flurry of snow, we snow fliers are taking a break from writing and enjoying the hopefully good conditions in April and May.

The summery weather will reach its peak today, Wednesday. From tomorrow, it will become more unstable and temperatures will drop slightly. The development over the Easter period could be interesting: It is likely to become significantly cooler again, especially in the east of the Alpine region. Interesting options in the medium term!

The birds are chirping, the flowers are sprouting, the daily rhythm is stumbling over the time change and you can dry your sweaty inner shoes on the balcony: spring is here. Time for morning firn tours, high summits, sunburn and stubborn skins!