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Early Season Swiss Strike – A Pictorial

I am aware that many Northern Hemisphere ski bums, including many of my homies back in the Sierra, have had a dismal start to the ski season. Since I am fortunate to be in the right place at the right time, I figured I’d share some photos of my recent road trip to southwest Switzerland.

As an internet weather geek, I have bookmarked many a page that help me extrapolate conditions throughout the Alps. One of my favorite resources is courtesy of White Risk, which is Swiss-specific. There are actually 3 different data points. Overall snow depths, new snowfall 24, 48, & 72 hour options (updated each morning by 6 am), and comparative percentage of normal. These tools allow me to pinpoint where the best coverage and conditions are likely to be.

And since I’m the holder of the best-value season pass in all of skiing (under $500 if purchased in the spring), I’m not afraid to jump in the car, cross the Alps, and seek out the goods.

Without further ado, here are ten snow-covered eye candy photos for your viewing pleasure.

Coverage is great in some zones, especially above 2,300 meters or so
This ski area has 2 lifts and is reminiscent of Bridger Bowl’s infamous ridge, only bigger and radder
A charming ski-in, ski-out Swiss village perched on a hill and accessible by a train and then a gondola
This ski area may offer the most up front and personal glacier views of any on the planet
In some places in the Alps, the hills are covered in grass so it doesn’t require that much snow to become skiable.
The sheer vertical relief of the Alps is next level
This zone was particularly rugged with lots of jagged peaks
Fields of joy

No powder panic in these parts

The Alps’ 9th highest peak basking in the late afternoon light

19 thoughts on “Early Season Swiss Strike – A Pictorial”

      1. BRUCE HARA
        Reply

        I asked Gary what was going on with you on social media a few weeks ago!
        You and Mahoney got bounced off facebook?!?
        He was a bit too graphic in describing what he wanted to do with a particularly hot ski racer and I guess it didn’t clear the censors!
        I’m sure you didn’t commit the same offense but it is nice to see you are doing well (better than us) in Europe!
        Take care Jamie! Keep us updated!

        1. jamie
          Reply

          Hey Bruuce, My Social Media ban is super suspect as it was associated with some Instagram business pages I don’t even manage. Oh well, life goes on. I’m not surprised about Mahoney though.

    6. Katie
      Reply

      Heck yeah! Stoked to have reservations already booked for the New Year!
      The are the Ansel Adam’s of the Alps…nice photography as always🤩

    11. Powder
      Reply

      Nice ! Thanks, those pics will help the stoke!
      Was recently scolded by an old ski bum friend who refuses to join a reunion with other former Mammoth locals this season. Said if we want to get together in the alps he would be in. 😅

    15. Pingback: Alps’ Snow Chasing Trip Report - agingskibum.com

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