Klosters

"Under the magnifying glass" is a series of articles by Lydia and Linus. We are both at the SLF in Davos this winter, where we are studying snow from a scientific perspective. As we regularly take a close look at the snow in our surroundings - both during our field work and at weekends - we'll be taking you with us from time to time this winter. We will explain our snow profiles to you, what the individual observations mean and what snow science topics arise from the current profiles. Today: How the orientation of a slope - i.e. its exposure - influences the development of the snowpack and why north-facing slopes often offer particularly good snow, but also the most dangerous conditions.

Seven weeks of ski mountaineering: waking up, suffering through putting on your frozen boots and packing up the iced-over tent. Seven weeks of taking the weather as it comes – spending entire days in complete whiteout, being blown over by 120 km/h gusts of wind, and waiting out storms in alpine huts or (more often) on people's couches in the valley. But also seven weeks of being amazed by the ever-changing scenery, of being stunned by the beauty of snow-covered mountains every single day. A trip shaped by incredible encounters and people’s hospitality, depending on the kindness of strangers and meeting inspiring individuals. Seven weeks of raw adventure - this is "Crossing the Alps", the story of Hugo and Linus traversing Switzerland on skis.

Davos is located in the heart of the canton of Graubünden, the largest canton in Switzerland in terms of area but also the least populated. Nestled between the majestic Albula Alps and the picturesque Plessur Alps, this winter wonderland at an altitude of around 1500 metres offers an interesting cultural history and an impressive mountainous landscape that makes freeriders' hearts leap of joy.

The Backcountry Weeks are organised by GoVertical, an association of local mountain guides from the canton of Graubünden. They works together with the local destinations, in this case Davos/Klosters. On the long weekend in January, from 25/01/2024 to 28/01/2024, the 9th edition of the Backcountry Weekend took place in Switzerland's legendary winter sports destination. Backcountry Week 2024 offered a comprehensive and varied programme for all kinds of backcountry enthusiasts.

The good thing about this tour is that it can be adapted to the respective conditions, preferences and ability with a little creativity. Even the start presents you with the first decision. Do I start with a gondola ride up the Pischa and then walk up the Pischahorn? Or do I walk over the Jöriflüelafurgga? Due to the complexity of the tour, we opted for the option via Jöriflüelafurgga and an early start.

For over 50 years, the Madrisa round tour has been the epitome of the lift-assisted freeride tour par excellence. From Austria to Switzerland and back or, as in our case, from Switzerland to Austria and back. After it was first published as a 'bold adventure' on PowderGuide.com in 1972, here it is finally as the current and modern freeride tour of the week.

"Switzerland, The Original Winter since 1864, 150 years of winter tourism" can be read on the homepage of myswitzerland.ch. Reason enough for the destination Davos & Klosters and its mountain railroads to adopt this "strong" slogan. However, this slogan is interpreted in such a way that the real pioneering work of that time is exploited and the focus is one-sidedly and exclusively on profit interests.

The new "Freeride Guide Davos Klosters" is a handy and well-structured reference book in German and English for anyone who wants to go freeriding in Davos in the future but is not familiar with the area and/or has little experience in tour preparation and situation assessment. But experienced freeriders will also find plenty of inspiration and great route suggestions in the new Freeride Guide.

The Pischa ski area has been marketed as a freeride area for some time, but has long been a hot tip among connoisseurs as a starting point for countless variants. One of the most beautiful and remote leads from the summit of the Pischahorn down the east side to Berghaus Vereina. Instead of hiking for miles through the narrow Vereina valley, the Wisshorn is another summit destination. But this summit has to be earned, without a doubt. But the effort will pay off many times over when you plunge into one of the two rarely used north- or west-facing variants. First lines guaranteed!