 Poster: A snowHead
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Following a successful 'Ski Tourers Wanted' posting, off went Snowheads me (Mountainaddict), Andyman, Jude1 and Nevis1003, plus non-Snowhead Mrs Mountainaddict for five days/four nights ski touring in the Stubai Alps in the first week of April.
After a warm up day on piste at the Elfer area in Neustift (great fun, nice soft snow cover), and accompanied by a guide from Stubai Freeride Center in Neustift, we set off climbing from the Stubai Glacier. We then stayed two nights at each of the Amberger and Franz Senn Huttes. Ascents varied from 450m on our warm up day to the Amberger Hutte to just under 1200m on our last day. That involved climbing up and over from the Franz Senn Hutte, passing the (closed) Neuer Regensberger Hutte and descending on foot for an hour through the woods from the snowline back to civilisation - a 10 hour day that involved roped glacier crossings and a roped ascent up a steep couloir in deep snow. Beer has never tasted so good as on our arrival back in the Stubai Valley that afternoon!
The weather was mainly bluebird, with scorching temperatures at times. It got up to 19C at around 2700m. Descents covered just about all snow conditions from fantastic powder in north facing bowls to challenging breakable crust and refrozen snow. We climbed some brilliant summits and ridges during the trip and the scenery was absolutely stunning.
The two huts were very comfortable, even if the dormitory for six (with one sleeping platform) in the Amberger Hutte came as a shock to Andyman and Jude1(!!). Nights in the huts were good fun, with good food, great conversation, good laughs and beer and schnapps flowing freely - in fact a bit too freely at times. After setting off at 07.30 each morning (to cross avalanche-prone slopes/passes before they got too much sun on them) we were all generally falling asleep by about 20.30 - though a Snowhead who shall remain nameless did a marvellous job of staying up until all hours to sample the hut whisky (and more schapps).... 
In summary, despite the varying range of ski touring and mountaineering experience across the group (from first time ski tourers to Matterhorn climber), it was an absolutely brilliant week and an epic experience. Everyone got on really well and helped and encouraged each other through some challenging ("What the **** am I doing climbing this?!  ") moments. The utmost credit must go to our fantastic local guide Bernhard, who was truly exceptional in his patience, understanding and skill in the mountains.
Nevis, Mrs MA and I then finished off the trip with a day at the Schlick 2000 ski area above Fulpmes - better than we thought it would be with nice soft snow, great scenery and 900m vertical available. A very decent little area and a good day on piste.
Cheers for a great trip Mrs MA, Andyman, Jude and Nevis  !
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Looks like a great week was had by you all, and chapeau to the first timers
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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mountainaddict, great trip report, and looks like it was a fantastic trip. When do you start taking bookings for next year?
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Great stuff 
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Nice!
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Fab views. What were the rooms like?
Buttons for next year plz 
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Tremendous. Thanks for sharing 
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Great write up and some nice rope work. Snow looked pretty tasty too
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Wow, that looks excellent! So many options for next year....
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Good trip, thanks to Mountain Addict and Mrs MA for being so organised and such good company, along with the Austrian guide Bernie who was made an honorary Scotsman for his drinking prowess...and kick turning ability.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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A very enjoyable report. Well done crew
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mountainaddict, I was wondering how that trip went - Andyman told me about it in Arabba. It seems to have been a brilliant success; your photos are terrific. Well done all round.
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You know it makes sense.
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Amazing photos, looks like a great trip.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Cheers all!
nevis1003: I have finally sorted my hundreds of photos into a 'best of' and will be in touch soon re. getting them to you .
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Poster: A snowHead
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Aye, I'll have to sort mine out, have you seen this video, reminded me of somebody I met recently...http://youtube.com/v/kdemFfbS5H0#aid=P9iBUZWUBaI
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FAQ
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