One of the many things that I find remarkable about the Alps is how many microclimates there are. Within a short distance, often times the weather, snow conditions and snow pack can vary greatly. During the month of November and early December, the Valais and Vaud cantons of Switzerland seemed to be getting hit with the most white stuff. I took full advantage with an extended Swiss road trip, hitting some of my favorite spots as well as discovering a few new zones.
Then as December kicked off, the pattern changed and the storm track began favoring the southwestern Alps. Part of my daily winter regime is to pay attention to the weather. We Powder and Open Snow are my two favorite places to get a grasp on how much snow has fallen and, equally as important, where the snow is going to fall. For a certified snow hunter, it is important that a region already has a decent base before getting in the car to partake in a region’s latest powder offerings.
I identified a zone an easy 3.5-hour drive from Aging Ski Bum’s HQ that was in the crosshairs and headed south at 0 dark thirty earliest this week. I pulled into the ski area’s parking lot just as the clouds were clearing with a good 24-30″ of dense powder.
Since it was low season and midweek, the place was pretty desolate, which is just fine by me.
Initially the avalanche danger was rated as high, so I backed off and let the snow settle. After a clear and coldish night, the snowpack locked up and I felt confident venturing off piste.
This part of the Alps is characterized by open bowls up to around 2500 meters and larch forests (ideal for skiing because the trees don’t have leaves, so all the snow falls to the ground).
On the third morning, the weather moved it and it began to rain. Since my contract doesn’t call for me skiing in the rain, I hit the ejector button and headed 1.5 hours south to the French Riviera.
Checking out the high rollers in the world’s second smallest country
All in all, it was a good early-season road trip. I am so grateful to be able to drive around the Alps in search of good turns, then pivot and check out some non-ski cultural stuff.
Just this morning I was wondering where the hell you were. I’d grown accustomed to your FB posts about this, that or the other descent. It’s nice to see your new website! Tahoe, Donner and even Mammoth had rocks and mud for most of December. Now it has started raining (plus some very wet snow here & there). From early December to last Thursday, Boreal was able to open 1 chair and the carpet — by nearly draining the snowmaking ponds. The rain will help re-fill those ponds. Might not have much in the way of skiable snow again until after Christmas. Buon Natale e Buon Anno!
Nice to hear from you Michael. Sorry to hear the Sierra have been off to a dismal start, looks like that is about to change!