Obviously there’s a big degree of luck in being in the right place at the right time, but some planning also helps!
Weather thread here, Snowforecast and Wepowder are all good resources for predicting where it’s going to snow. Chamonix météo also useful for this area. And in Switzerland SLF.ch is the best resource for finding out where it actually snowed and how much.
So recent forecasts were predicting a decent dump and cold temps for Thursday night with things clearing on Friday morning. Coronavirus meant I was back early from a work trip with an empty calendar on Friday. A WhatsApp check to the regulars delivered 2 willing buddies.
So 20-30cm forecast but with some high winds. SLF sounded a moderate warning for the new layer
With Météo Swiss forecasting clouds until 11 the plan was to hit up a couple of laps if the Canadian Forest in Bruson and then switch across to Verbier as soon as it broke. But on driving up the valley it was already clearing so first change of plan and Verbier was the target. Wind from North West so East facing slopes should have the best conditions. SLF and Verbier site both reported 25cm of fresh at Lac des Vaux. This should be good.
We made an early start and were in the queue for first lift (mandatory). At Ruinettes, the Funispace was not yet open and the least patient of our crew was itching to head up Chaux express. We calmed him down and waited patiently. 5 mins later and the lift opened... Patience is a virtue. A visual check in the way up showed fabulous looking snow in the Attelas couloirs. Best aspect and shade should be in 3 Fingers but a bit loaded at the top. Caution. The hordes would head for Creblet. Wrong aspect.
We know this couloir well so agreed to do it. Carefully navigated the top ridge keeping an eye on our snowboarder. Heel side no fall zone traverses not exactly his comfort zone!
The anticipation levels were high!
A couple of lads had opened the couloir before us but caution required here. It avalanched and buried someone a couple of weeks back (albeit on an avi 4 day). Took the upper section 1 at a time. Then traversed high left into the less obvious bowl. Bingo, no tracks. No visual avi activity, snow felt stable, less steep here, no one above us. Game on!
A few avi debris sharks at the top but the bowl was lush and a good warm up for the legs!
Straight back up and Lac 2 chair opened so we headed over to Col de Mouches. The hordes were already on the traverse. Snow was deep and peachy here as expected but already getting busy. Time to go higher. Up Gentianes.
Several people already on the Highway traverse and a plucky fellow was kicking steps into the deep snow in the Stairway to Heaven approach. Lots of options. Another stroke of luck at the top as Mont Fort opened. It was looking good under the cables
After a tricky boilerplate wind scoured section at the top it improved, drastically!
Headed back up for another lap. Quick check of backside saw 2 tracks in and a local guide taking 6 clients. Hmmm that means the traverse track out will have at least 10 tracks. Snowboarder agreed. Let’s do it.
The snow was orgasmic! The guided group went into the left hand steep chimney so we stayed in the main funnel. There were already 3 or 4 tracks but lots of space here
Really perfect conditions for backside Mont Fort! Picked up the guides card for future guests - impressive to take 6 clients in there first up!
Our poor snowboarder paid his price on the dam traverse and made mental note to bring snowshoes next time!
No lunch on a powder day so back up Chassoure with Rock Garden as the target. Already quite a few tracks on here but we scoped out a nice line from the lift, still bathed in afternoon sunshine. The access is sporting!
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
@BobinCH, boom - great job
After all it is free
After all it is free
Looks terrific!
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.
Pretty cool Bob. Local knowledge kept you skiing freshies all day. Im guessing lift served is all tracked out day one in Verbs, could you do some short skinning days 2 and 3 and still get fresh stuff or is everyone on that as well? the terrain youre skiing looks immense
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Mother hucker wrote:
Pretty cool Bob. Local knowledge kept you skiing freshies all day. Im guessing lift served is all tracked out day one in Verbs, could you do some short skinning days 2 and 3 and still get fresh stuff or is everyone on that as well? the terrain youre skiing looks immense
Thanks. Can’t beat the terrain in Verbier IMO. Still some lift served freshies possible on day 2, although this is half term week and it’s quite busy so on subsequent days you're typically looking at 10 min bootpacks for more interesting options. We didn’t even touch my favourite spot, Mont Gelé, which was in preparation first thing, and only did the classic backside Mont Fort variation - there are many more interesting routes. And then there’s Bruson, Etygeon, Plan de Fou (Nendaz) options to play with. With 20 min skin you can explore some steeper Catwalk variations, 30 mins Bec des Etagnes and with an hours bootpack you can get gnarly on Bec des Rosses. Despite only 5-7cm overnight on Monday it seems many of the high routes filled in again as people were scoring great stuff on the less skied routes like Catwalk yesterday. You definitely get the best out of Verbier with local knowledge - I am still finding new variations after 10 years skiing here.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
But Mont Fort and the backside plus 'rock garden' are Nendaz territory not Verbier I thought?
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.
@Paul Holroyd, nope Chassoure Lift (access to Rock Garden) is on the Verbier pass, not Nendaz. Mont Fort classed as its own sector and shared between Nendaz and Verbier with access from both Verbier (via Jumbo) or Siviez (via Gentianes). When you talk about Nendaz sector it ends at Tortin. For example the Nendaz freeride is off Plan de Fou which is what I would consider Nendaz.
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
There's a reason I always find myself gravitating there on day 1 of the season when Bro's slogging away in his office
You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
It is true that you require a 4 valleys lift pass after Tortin but that is a financial arrangement between Telenendaz and Televerbier. The geographical boundaries are a different thing.
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Paul Holroyd wrote:
It is true that you require a 4 valleys lift pass after Tortin but that is a financial arrangement between Telenendaz and Televerbier. The geographical boundaries are a different thing.
You may be right but not sure whether it has any significance.
Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
The reason that I made the post is that there are some wonderful photos and videos on this thread, but it insinuates that they are all in Verbier. I spend a lot of time in Nendaz which is not as well known as Verbier and we need to promote it more as an alternative.
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Agree Nendaz is now a good option with the new lift from where you can easily access all of these routes - except perhaps Vallon d’Arbi. Siviez access to Mont Fort is fastest of all
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?
Weathercam wrote:
Aahhh you know you would have rather been with us
Nice lines though
I want to do this in La Grave - some of the routes look « engaging »
FAQ
Poster: A snowHead
