The participants of the Mountain Mastery in Sölden enjoyed a great atmosphere, good snow and perfect weather. The groups decided to ski a steep gully discovered the day before in the Sölden ski area rather than a ski tour in Obergurgl, which has less snow. After another excellent breakfast, we make a leisurely ascent from the Gaislachkogel in the direction of Hangender Ferner. The snow conditions in the upper steep slope - the notorious Kreuzbandriss slope - have of course not improved overnight. However, all participants slide down the rocky slope with ease and are already gliding down the chosen sporty couloir section.
Unfortunately, the snow conditions here in the couloir are not particularly great either, so with an average gradient of 42°, there are always rocks to watch out for. Mountain guide Markus also discovers some alternating rock and powder fields in the extensive powder snow slope that follows. Despite the rather difficult conditions, everyone has a great powder snow descent on the north-facing steep slope with the handbrake off and a forward-looking riding style. Of course, photographer Baschi doesn't miss out on the sun falling into the slope from behind and captures some great pictures of the participants with specific instructions.
Since our group of 6 participants and mountain guide, the ascent and the individual descents are not exactly overly fast, we decide to have lunch after this one descent.
The group split up for the afternoon. Steffi and Marius made their way purposefully towards the valley, the rest of the group went on another north powder hunt and skied an untracked version of the tour they had already done the day before towards Huben before heading home. We look back on three great days of skiing and snowboarding in Sölden and look forward to receiving critical feedback from the participants.
