Chocolate Freeride Blog

2008-03-05T08:52:00.002+01:00

Yesterday, with only 5-7cm of fresh snow and very cold conditions, the conditions were typical dust on crust. There were some highlights however, the northern aspects that were protected from the wind collected about 10-20cm. So we had some good turns off the Mont Gelee and those who got up early made some nice turns in the col de mouche. Supposedly the back side of the Mont-Fort was filled in too.

Avalanche Danger Scale
High Alpine	2–Moderate
Mid mountain	2–Moderate
Treeline	2–Moderate

Current conditions:

A little fog, with strong, cold winds from the NE.

Snow Depth:

Ø 1500m - 5 cm
Ø 2200m - 118 cm
Ø 2950m - 110 cm

Snow Conditions:

Everything below 2500 is frozen solid, the upper alpine on the northern slopes is the only place to find good skiing.

Off-piste Travel Conditions:

"The avalanche prone locations are to be found, in particular, on wind-loaded slopes of all aspects above approximately 2000 m. Here as well, fresh snow drift accumulations are the main danger, but they remain small and not very widespread for the time being. They are to be avoided."SLF.ch

Forecast:

Mostly sun with a few clouds for the next two days.

Important Notice:
Snowpack formation and stability will vary as you travel throughout the mountains. It is, therefore, the responsibility of the backcountry traveler to be self-sufficient in being able to perform self-rescue should you, the traveler, be involved in an accident. Also, backcountry travelers are responsible for obtaining their own information concerning current weather conditions, snow, winds, snowfall, etc. and are responsible for educating themselves to the best possible awareness level.

Condition Key

Extreme: Wide spread areas of unstable snow exist and avalanches are certain on some slopes. Backcountry travel should be avoided.

High: Mostly unstable snow exists on a variety of aspects and slope angles. Natural avalanches are likely. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.

Considerable: Dangerous unstable slabs exist on steep terrain on certain aspects. Human triggered avalanches probable. Natural avalanches possible.

Moderate: Areas of unstable snow exist. Human triggered avalanches are possible. Larger triggers may be necessary as the snowpack becomes more stable. Use caution.

Low: Mostly stable snow exists. Avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets.

Useful links

www.slf.ch

www.televerbier.ch

2008-02-29T10:32:00.002+01:00

It snowed about 2 cm two days ago, so on Wednesday, with two friends visiting from the US, we went to have a look at the North Side of the Mont Gelee. Sure enough, the Couloirs had caught some of the snow and pushed it up on to the right side. It was kind of like surfing a right hand wave on skis. When it hasn't snowed in three weeks anything is good! The clouds have been blowing through and it FEELS like something is going to happen but, the buzz from the local patrolers is not as positive as I'd like to be.

Avalanche Danger Scale
High Alpine	1–Low
Mid mountain	1–Low
Treeline	1–Low

Current conditions:

A little cloudy, pretty warm and no precipitation.

Snow Depth:

Ø 1500m - 25 cm
Ø 2200m - 110 cm
Ø 2950m - 102 cm

Snow Conditions:

Snow conditions are hard but south facing slopes are turning to spring corn in the afternoon. Some of the slopes that are facing south are turning rotten. With the sun gone the mid mountain is not softening up, so it's getting harder and harder to ski off-piste. The high alpine north facing slopes are still "skiable".

Off-piste Travel Conditions:

The Avalanche danger is low but the chance of wet slides is high. These move quite slowly but are still dangerous to the unaware.

" Completely apart from the time of day, full depth snowslides continue to be expected in all regions. Open glide cracks are indicators of this hazard. Lingering beneath such glide cracks should be avoided whenever possible. In all regions, wet avalanches and full depth snowslides can, in isolated cases, place exposed sections of transportation routes, e.g. ski runs and pass roads, at risk.
The danger of dry avalanches is "low" (Level 1). Isolated avalanche prone locations are found in extremely steep gullies and bowls with snowdrift in particular.” SLF.ch

Forecast:

A little snow on Saturday. Sunny and warm on Sunday.

Important Notice:
Snowpack formation and stability will vary as you travel throughout the mountains. It is, therefore, the responsibility of the backcountry traveler to be self-sufficient in being able to perform self-rescue should you, the traveler, be involved in an accident. Also, backcountry travelers are responsible for obtaining their own information concerning current weather conditions, snow, winds, snowfall, etc. and are responsible for educating themselves to the best possible awareness level.

Condition Key

Extreme: Wide spread areas of unstable snow exist and avalanches are certain on some slopes. Backcountry travel should be avoided.

High: Mostly unstable snow exists on a variety of aspects and slope angles. Natural avalanches are likely. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.

Considerable: Dangerous unstable slabs exist on steep terrain on certain aspects. Human triggered avalanches probable. Natural avalanches possible.

Moderate: Areas of unstable snow exist. Human triggered avalanches are possible. Larger triggers may be necessary as the snowpack becomes more stable. Use caution.

Low: Mostly stable snow exists. Avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets.

Useful links

www.slf.ch

www.televerbier.ch

2008-02-22T13:08:00.002+01:00

A couple of days ago we went on the hunt for some fresh snow (it hasn't snowed here in over two weeks so the pickings are slim). He headed to the very top: Mont Fort. From there we skinned to the Col de Prafleuri. To our right was the Rosablanche and below us just beyond our view the massive Barrage (dam) de La that holds back the Lac des Dix. We took off our skins and traversed below the looming cliffs of the Pointes des Autans. Chamoix whistled and perched high above let us know we were in there domain. We stuck our skins back on for a short ascent to our hidden stash: the Point D'Alleves. Our ski down was great but the snow was old so it took a bit of getting used to. You had to sort of let go and let the skis guide you through each turn. When we got midway down to the larger bowl you could really open it up. At the bottom in a little hamlet called Pralong we stopped for a a well deserved lemonade/beer. We took the bus to Thyon and started the long trek back to Verbier covering the entire Four Valleys. Great day out!

Avalanche Danger Scale
High Alpine	1–Low
Mid mountain	1–Low
Treeline	1–Low

Current conditions:

It's still sunny!

Snow Depth:

Ø 1500m - 25 cm
Ø 2200m - 111 cm
Ø 2950m - 100 cm

Snow Conditions:

Snow conditions are hard but south facing slopes are turning to spring corn in the afternoon.

Off-piste Travel Conditions:

The Avalanche danger is decreasing and getting safer.

"In the course of the day on steep sunny slopes below about 2500 m, wet snowslides and avalanches are possible. Completely apart from the time of day, isolated full depth wet snowslides continue to be possible. Open glide cracks are indicators of this hazard.” SLF.ch

Forecast:

No snow on the forecast. Possibly some high clouds this weekend.

Important Notice:
Snowpack formation and stability will vary as you travel throughout the mountains. It is, therefore, the responsibility of the backcountry traveler to be self-sufficient in being able to perform self-rescue should you, the traveler, be involved in an accident. Also, backcountry travelers are responsible for obtaining their own information concerning current weather conditions, snow, winds, snowfall, etc. and are responsible for educating themselves to the best possible awareness level.

Condition Key

Extreme: Wide spread areas of unstable snow exist and avalanches are certain on some slopes. Backcountry travel should be avoided.

High: Mostly unstable snow exists on a variety of aspects and slope angles. Natural avalanches are likely. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.

Considerable: Dangerous unstable slabs exist on steep terrain on certain aspects. Human triggered avalanches probable. Natural avalanches possible.

Moderate: Areas of unstable snow exist. Human triggered avalanches are possible. Larger triggers may be necessary as the snowpack becomes more stable. Use caution.

Low: Mostly stable snow exists. Avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets.

Useful links

www.slf.ch

www.televerbier.ch

Chocolate Freeride Off-Piste Report

2008-02-13T11:39:00.002+01:00

Sunny weather has settled in and nothing is on the forecast. There are still some north facing wind protected areas that are good but they are off the beaten track and most require a big trek to get to.

Avalanche Danger Scale
High Alpine	1–Low
Mid mountain	1–Low
Treeline	1–Low

Current conditions:

“The midday temperature at 2000 m was about minus 1 degree. The easterly wind was mostly light, but moderate at times. The quality of the near-surface layers of the snowpack depends on the solar radiation. On very steep south facing slopes, a melt-freeze crust has formed in many areas. It is generally strong in the mornings, but prone to melting during the day before refreezing. On the northern flank of the Alps and in the high- altitude regions of the main Alpine ridge in particular, the snowpack has also been significantly influenced by the earlier wind. In places that are protected from the wind and shady, however, powder snow is still to be found in all regions.
Faceted, weakly bonded layers exist in the snowpack in the inneralpine regions of Valais and Grisons in particular. This applies, in particular, in areas with shallow snow cover close to the tree line and in areas above the tree line that are protected from the wind. In these places, skis can often penetrate the snow down to the ground.” SLF.ch

Snow Depth:

Ø 1500m - 25 cm
Ø 2200m - 116 cm
Ø 2950m - 100 cm

Snow Conditions:

Snow conditions are hard but south facing slopes are turning to spring corn in the afternoon.

Off-piste Travel Conditions:

The Avalanche danger is decreasing and getting safer.

"In view of the solar radiation, small wet snow slides are to be expected on very steep sunny slopes, and in particular arising from terrain that is interspersed with rocks, below approximately 2600 m. Isolated full-depth wet snow slides are also possible.” SLF.ch

Forecast:

“ The weather will remain sunny on Wednesday. There will be a light easterly wind. Midday temperatures at 2000 m will be about minus 1 degree.” SLF.ch

It will probably continue to be sunny well into next week...

Important Notice:
Snowpack formation and stability will vary as you travel throughout the mountains. It is, therefore, the responsibility of the backcountry traveler to be self-sufficient in being able to perform self-rescue should you, the traveler, be involved in an accident. Also, backcountry travelers are responsible for obtaining their own information concerning current weather conditions, snow, winds, snowfall, etc. and are responsible for educating themselves to the best possible awareness level.

Condition Key

Extreme: Wide spread areas of unstable snow exist and avalanches are certain on some slopes. Backcountry travel should be avoided.

High: Mostly unstable snow exists on a variety of aspects and slope angles. Natural avalanches are likely. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.

Considerable: Dangerous unstable slabs exist on steep terrain on certain aspects. Human triggered avalanches probable. Natural avalanches possible.

Moderate: Areas of unstable snow exist. Human triggered avalanches are possible. Larger triggers may be necessary as the snowpack becomes more stable. Use caution.

Low: Mostly stable snow exists. Avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets.

Useful links

www.slf.ch

www.televerbier.ch

Chocolate Freeride Off-Piste Report

2008-01-28T09:32:00.000+01:00

I leave today for Gulmarg, Kashmir, India. Chris Liebing will join me and we will meet up with our infamous guide John Falkiner.
I know it's cheesy, but I want to thank everyone who has helped me be able to do this. Jesse, my brother, for leading the way and his inspiration, Corinne, my wife, who's support is invaluable and Chris who's stoke for life and laugh create smiles and pleasure to so many people. And to everyone else who has helped me along the way, thank you!
See you on the 8th of Feb...
Josh

Chocolate Freeride Off-Piste Report

2008-01-24T10:38:00.001+01:00

Yesterday was a classic Verbier powder day. It only snowed about 15-20cm but the wind had filled in the narrows and the east facing slopes. We drew high speed GS turns from the Atlas couloirs to the North facing chutes of the Mont Gelee.

Avalanche Danger Scale
High Alpine	3–Moderate
Mid mountain	2–Moderate
Treeline	2 –Moderate

Current conditions:

“On Wednesday it was predominantly sunny. Midday temperatures at 2000 m were minus 4 degrees. Moderate northerly winds prevailed. The snow layering is generally favourable. The snowdrift accumulations from Tuesday of this week, are [slowly] consolidating.”

Snow Depth:

Ø 1500m - 25 cm
Ø 2200m - 131 cm
Ø 2950m - 120 cm

Snow Conditions:

Snow conditions are variable because the wind has been blowing a lot of snow around. There is more snow mid-mountain and in the trees. The west face of open areas and ridges has been buffed clean in most areas. As you approach the treeline it gets better. East facing couloirs and bowls is where it’s at, especially mid-mountain.

Off-piste Travel Conditions:

The Avalanche danger is decreasing but it’s still important to use extra caution because of the very bottom layer which never bonded solidly.

“The avalanche prone locations are found on steep slopes in all aspects. On the southern flank of the Alps the avalanche prone locations are found above approximately 2000 m. Avalanches can be triggered particularly by large additional loading in the uppermost snowdrift layers from this week. Prudent route planning is recommended.” Slf.ch

Forecast:

“On Thursday it will be generally sunny. In the course of the afternoon, cloudbanks will move in from the northwest. The midday temperature at 2000 m will be plus 2 degrees. Light to moderate southwesterly winds will prevail. On Friday it will be increasingly sunny… On Saturday it will be sunny and mild. The avalanche danger will continue to diminish, but very gradually.”

Important Notice:
Snowpack formation and stability will vary as you travel throughout the mountains. It is, therefore, the responsibility of the backcountry traveler to be self-sufficient in being able to perform self-rescue should you, the traveler, be involved in an accident. Also, backcountry travelers are responsible for obtaining their own information concerning current weather conditions, snow, winds, snowfall, etc. and are responsible for educating themselves to the best possible awareness level.

Condition Key

Extreme: Wide spread areas of unstable snow exist and avalanches are certain on some slopes. Backcountry travel should be avoided.

High: Mostly unstable snow exists on a variety of aspects and slope angles. Natural avalanches are likely. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.

Considerable: Dangerous unstable slabs exist on steep terrain on certain aspects. Human triggered avalanches probable. Natural avalanches possible.

Moderate: Areas of unstable snow exist. Human triggered avalanches are possible. Larger triggers may be necessary as the snowpack becomes more stable. Use caution.

Low: Mostly stable snow exists. Avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets.

Useful links

www.slf.ch

www.televerbier.ch

Chocolate Freeride Off-Piste Report

2008-01-23T00:13:00.000+01:00

It snowed today, so we skied the trees hunting for pockets of untouched pow. Tomorrow will be Sunny with a coat of 10 to 15 covering everything.

Avalanche Danger Scale
High Alpine	3 –Considerable
Mid mountain	3 –Considerable
Treeline	2 –Moderate

Current conditions

“Tuesday was very cloudy and it snowed. Since Monday night, the following amounts of snow have fallen: northern flank of the Eastern and Central Swiss Alps 20 to 30 cm or even more in some localities; northern flank of the Western Swiss Alps, Valais, the Gotthard region and from Surselva and northern Grisons to Samnaun 10 to 20 cm; in the remaining regions less than 10 cm. Midday temperatures at 2000 m were about minus 5 degrees in the north and 0 degrees in Ticino. The wind was strong, [with powerful gusts coming] from the northwest.” slf.ch
“In many places the conditions gave rise to fresh snow drift accumulations that are prone to triggering. The still loosely bonded old snow in particular was transported on the southern flank of the Alps and in Upper Engadine, and the fresh snow in particular in the north. The snowpack is weak especially in southern Upper Valais, northern and central Grisons, Engadine and Münstertal.” ‘…avalanches can be released in deeper layers of the snowpack.” slf.ch

Snow Depth:

Ø 1500m - 25 cm

Ø 2200m - 129 cm

Ø 2950m - 115 cm

Snow Conditions:

Snow conditions are variable because the wind has been blowing a lot of snow around. There is more snow mid-mountain. Up high it’s been buffed clean in some areas. As you approach the treeline it gets better and better. Especially, where the sun hasn’t affected the snow too much.

Off-piste Travel Conditions:

The Avalanche danger is still at 3 but in areas that have been skied and where the slope is less than 45 degrees it is reasonably safe.

Forecast:

“On Tuesday night the weather will clear. Wednesday will be mostly sunny. Midday temperatures at 2000 m will be about 0 degrees in the west and minus 4 degrees in the east. The northerly wind will ease to light to moderate in the morning.
Further snow drift accumulations that are prone to triggering will form during the night.”

“On Thursday the weather will be mostly sunny and mild. On Thursday night some snow will fall in the north. Friday will be increasingly sunny again in the north and mostly sunny in the south. In the north and south, the avalanche danger will decrease slowly. In the inneralpine regions it will not change significantly.” Slf.ch

Condition Key

Extreme: Wide spread areas of unstable snow exist and avalanches are certain on some slopes. Backcountry travel should be avoided.

High: Mostly unstable snow exists on a variety of aspects and slope angles. Natural avalanches are likely. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.

Considerable: Dangerous unstable slabs exist on steep terrain on certain aspects. Human triggered avalanches probable. Natural avalanches possible.

Moderate: Areas of unstable snow exist. Human triggered avalanches are possible. Larger triggers may be necessary as the snowpack becomes more stable. Use caution.

Low: Mostly stable snow exists. Avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets.

Important Notice:
Snowpack formation and stability will vary as you travel throughout the mountains. It is, therefore, the responsibility of the backcountry traveler to be self-sufficient in being able to perform self-rescue should you, the traveler, be involved in an accident. Also, backcountry travelers are responsible for obtaining their own information concerning current weather conditions, snow, winds, snowfall, etc. and are responsible for educating themselves to the best possible awareness level.

Useful links

www.slf.ch

www.televerbier.ch

Chocolate Freeride Off-Piste Reports

2008-01-18T10:52:00.001+01:00

This past week we went on the hunt for snow. On Saturday, we found ourselves in the depths of the Valais skiing waist deep pow in the tiniest of resorts. There was so much snow in the area that the road was closed. The next day we headed to Andermatt. The total snow accumulation was 70cm. It had been very windy so the conditions were funky. On some aspects the wind was so strong it had created a soft crust. Nonetheless we had a great time and skied in the area Sunday and Monday. On Tuesday we returned to ski in Verbier, the conditions were excellent with 15cm of light snow that had fallen over the weekend. The Reports however were pointing to a small resort west of here called Les Marecottes. There it had snowed 20cm and there was more snow on the way. When we got there Wednesday morning it was snowing very hard. We skied thigh deep powder through the trees all morning. In the afternoon it opened up briefly, treating us to spectacular views of the surrounding Alpine. At that point we decided to come back the next day to ski the open bowl that was closed. Thursday proved to be a beautiful day. We skied 40-60cm of perfect powder all morning. In the afternoon the sun affected the southern aspects but the trees and shaded areas were still excellent. Today it is a sunny day in Verbier.

Avalanche Danger Scale
High Alpine	3 –Considerable
Mid mountain	3 –Considerable
Treeline	2 –Moderate

Current conditions

During the last week it has snowed less than 10cm in Verbier. Light to moderate westerly winds prevailed on Thursday. Midday temperatures at 2000 m were about -5 degrees.
“The snow layering is unfavourable in the southern Upper Valais… the new snow and the snowdrift layers lie upon a faceted old snowpack with very weak consolidation. It continues to be possible to trigger avalanches in the old snowpack. On the southern flank of the Alps, the thick layers of new snow are consolidating incrementally. On the northern flank of the Alps there are in places still trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations near to the surface.” Slf.ch

Snow Depth:

Ø 1500m - 25 cm

Ø 2200m - 129 cm

Ø 2950m - 110 cm

Snow Conditions:

Snow conditions are wind driven powder up high, and progressively deeper as you ski further down. The northern aspects are slightly better because it’s colder. More snow seems to have deposited on the lee side of the slope where it was more sheltered from the wind.

Off-piste Travel Conditions:

The Avalanche danger is still at 3 but in areas that have been skied and where the slope is less than 45 degrees it is reasonably safe.

Forecast:

“By Friday midday on the northern flank of the Alps, 10 to 20 cm of new snow is expected, in the remaining regions, less than 10 cm. Subsequently it will turn partly sunny, before new cloudbanks move in from the west. Midday temperatures at 2000 m will be minus 1 degree in western regions and minus 5 degrees in eastern regions. Strong westerly to northwesterly winds will prevail.

During the day on Saturday as well as on Sunday it will be sunny in all regions and very mild. The freezing level will climb to 3000 m. Due to the significant rise in temperatures, the avalanche situation will remain delicate.”

Condition Key

Extreme: Wide spread areas of unstable snow exist and avalanches are certain on some slopes. Backcountry travel should be avoided.

High: Mostly unstable snow exists on a variety of aspects and slope angles. Natural avalanches are likely. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.

Considerable: Dangerous unstable slabs exist on steep terrain on certain aspects. Human triggered avalanches probable. Natural avalanches possible.

Moderate: Areas of unstable snow exist. Human triggered avalanches are possible. Larger triggers may be necessary as the snowpack becomes more stable. Use caution.

Low: Mostly stable snow exists. Avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets.

Useful links

www.slf.ch

www.televerbier.ch

Chocolate Freeride Off-Piste Reports

2008-01-09T00:06:00.000+01:00

Avalanche Danger Scale
High Alpine	3 –Considerable
Mid mountain	3 –Considerable
Treeline	2 –Moderate

Current conditions

Tuesday was a crystal clear sunny day . We skied wind compressed snow that was about 10cm deep. The mid-mountain north facing slopes were in the best shape. Although it was a great morning of off-piste skiing, there were wind slabs breaking off so we were very cautious. Below 1800m the skiing was treacherous due to the rain that had created a solid crust.

SLF says: "The westerly to southerly winds were light to moderate. The midday temperature at 2000 m was about minus 2 degrees. As the temperature dropped, the bonding of the snowpack improved at intermediate altitudes. The various layers of the snow drift accumulations that have formed in recent days are still prone to triggering in some places. The weak layers in the old snowpack remain treacherous, especially in areas with shallow snow cover and on slopes where little snow sport activity has taken place until the start of the year."

Snow Depth:

Ø 1500m - 20 cm

Ø 2200m - 116 cm

Ø 2950m - 115 cm

Off-piste Travel Conditions:

The avalanche rating is set at 3 so it is still advised to avoid skiing in areas that haven't been skied very much this year. The statement below is particularly true in Verbier...

"The avalanche prone locations are to be found, in particular, on west to north to south facing aspects above approximately 2000 m. On the northern flank of the Alps and in Valais and northern Ticino, they are to be found on steep slopes..." says SLF.com

Forecast:

Thursday should be mostly sunny with a consistent westerly wind. Warming up slightly, the freezing level will rise to about 2000 m. Friday it will snow a little down to 1600m. The avalanche danger will decrease slowly as the week unfolds.

Condition Key

Extreme: Wide spread areas of unstable snow exist and avalanches are certain on some slopes. Backcountry travel should be avoided.

High: Mostly unstable snow exists on a variety of aspects and slope angles. Natural avalanches are likely. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.

Considerable: Dangerous unstable slabs exist on steep terrain on certain aspects. Human triggered avalanches probable. Natural avalanches possible.

Moderate: Areas of unstable snow exist. Human triggered avalanches are possible. Larger triggers may be necessary as the snowpack becomes more stable. Use caution.

Low: Mostly stable snow exists. Avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets.

Important Notice:

Snowpack formation and stability will vary as you travel throughout the mountains. It is, therefore, the responsibility of the backcountry traveler to be self-sufficient in being able to perform self-rescue should you, the traveler, be involved in an accident. Also, backcountry travelers are responsible for obtaining their own information concerning current weather conditions, snow, winds, snowfall, etc. and are responsible for educating themselves to the best possible awareness level.

Useful links

www.slf.ch

www.televerbier.ch

Chocolate Freeride Off-Piste Reports

2008-01-07T10:53:00.000+01:00

Report valid: Monday, January 07, 2008 until further notice

Avalanche Danger Scale
High Alpine	3 –Considerable
Mid mountain	3 –Considerable
Treeline	2 –Moderate

Current conditions

In Verbier on Sunday it was overcast with snowfall starting at 11pm. Overnight 10 to 30 cm of new snow fell. Unfortunately, The snowfall level was relatively high at approximately 1700 m. Strong to stormy westerly to northwesterly winds prevailed at high altitudes during the night, slackening off somewhat the following day. Today it is raining up to about 2000m. We are anxiously waiting for the temperature to drop.

Snow Depth:

Ø 1500m - 20 cm

Ø 2200m - 116 cm

Ø 2950m - 110 cm

Snow Conditions:

Snow conditions are wind driven powder up high, changing to wet and rain crusted snow further down. The northern aspects are slightly better because it’s colder. More snow seems to have deposited on the lee side of the slope where it was more sheltered from the wind.

Off-piste Travel Conditions:

For now it is wise to avoid traveling beyond the resort boundaries.

Forecast:

On Monday the snowfall level will descend to about 1100 m. At 2000m the midday temperature will be -2 degrees. Strong to stormy westerly to northwesterly winds will prevail at high altitudes.
New, trigger-sensitive snowdrift accumulations are expected to form. The various layers of the snowpack are weakly bonded widespread.

Condition Key

Extreme: Wide spread areas of unstable snow exist and avalanches are certain on some slopes. Backcountry travel should be avoided.

High: Mostly unstable snow exists on a variety of aspects and slope angles. Natural avalanches are likely. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.

Considerable: Dangerous unstable slabs exist on steep terrain on certain aspects. Human triggered avalanches probable. Natural avalanches possible.

Moderate: Areas of unstable snow exist. Human triggered avalanches are possible. Larger triggers may be necessary as the snowpack becomes more stable. Use caution.

Low: Mostly stable snow exists. Avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets.

Important Notice:

Useful links

www.slf.ch

www.televerbier.ch

JD Hare and Dave Gauley on Waddington

2007-11-13T07:11:00.000+01:00

Check out JD Hare and Dave Gauley as they rip Mount Waddington. This video is short but it is full of epic and beauty ski shots.

JD and Gauley on Waddington...

Freeride World Tour

2007-10-30T06:57:00.001+01:00

"Verbier, Switzerland - Organizers of the Nissan O’Neill Xtreme in Verbier, the Swatch O’Neill Big Mountain Pro and the Nissan Freeride in Tignes this week announced the first edition of the Freeride World Tour, adding two new events in Eastern Europe and the U.S. to create a worldwide schedule. This winter, professional freeride skiers and snowboarders will go head-to-head in a Freeride World Tour made up of five events and boasting a huge prize purse.

Frenchman Aurelion Ducroz is the top-ranked male freeride skier going into the new Freeride World Tour this winter. (photo: J. Hadik)

The Nissan Mammoth Challenge (Mammoth Mountain, Calif., USA), scheduled for January 22-26, and the Nissan Caucasus Classic in Sochi, Russia (January 31 to February 5) have been added to the Swatch O'Neill Big Mountain Pro, a mobile event in the Alps from February 24 to March 2, the Nissan Freeride de Tignes (FRA)( March 9-12) and the Nissan O'Neill Xtreme in Verbier (March 14-23) to create the Freeride World Tour. After this final event in Verbier, the four Freeride World Champions (ski/snowboard, men/women) will be crowned. The Tour is endowed with a purse of $300,000.

“I’ve been waiting for a long time for a real Freeride World Tour that is professionally organized and has sponsors that deserve the name. Now it is finally born and I give it my unconditional support," says Guerlain Chicherit of France, four-time Ski Freeride World Champion. "I was ready to chuck in my skis after my fourth World Title last year. But now I’m really keen and motivated for a new season, which may very well be one of the best of my career.”

Organizers founded the Pro Freeriders Board (PFB) of eight prominent freeriders who will establish the competition format, the judging rules and the ranking system – snowboard: Cyril Neri (SUI), Steve Klassen (USA), Mitch Toelderer (AUT), Flo Orley (AUT); ski: Aurélien Ducroz (FRA), Phil Meier (SUI), Ian McIntosh (CAN), Martin Winkler (AUT). This approach ensures a harmonization of the judging criteria, organizers say, and establishes a qualifying tour, the Freeride World Qualifying Tour (FWQT) through which the young riders have to prove themselves before they are granted access to the Freeride World Tour.

The Pro Freeriders Board compiled a hypothetical ranking of the 2006/2007 season based on results at key events and selected the 36 best riders according to a points system. These athletes qualify for the Freeride World Tour 2008. The riders who are ranked lower than 14th (men) and 4th (women) can enter the events of the FWQT. At the FWQT events in Mammoth and Schruns there will also be an open qualification to provide unknown top-level riders with the chance to establish themselves in the freeride hierarchy. After three events – the Nissan Mammoth Quest (USA) from January 15 to 17, the Nissan Quest in Schruns (AUT) and Nissan ArctiX in Tromsö (NOR) – the best athletes of the FWQT 2008 will qualify for the Freeride World Tour 2009.

The contestants are judged by a jury, which is trained and certified by the PFB and led by Jean-Yves Michellod (Head Judge: Ski) and Berti Denervaud (Head Judge: Snowboard).

“It took ten years to realize a dream that we started dreaming during the first few years of the Xtreme in Verbier," explains Freeride World Tour organizer Nicolas Hale-Woods. "We wanted to unite the best freeride athletes and we wanted to bring them together in a tour that stops at the world’s most beautiful freeride locations. I will put all my energy and passion into this to make sure the first Freeride Ski and Snowboard World Champions can carry their titles with all the pride they deserve.”

FREERIDE WORLD TOUR 2008

Hypothetical world ranking 2006/2007 compiled by the PFB based on the events of the 2006/2007 season."

Ski men
1. Aurélien DUCROZ (FRA)
2. Guerlain CHICHERIT (FRA)
3. Olivier MEYNET (FRA)
4. Kaj ZACKRISSON (SWE)
5. Seb MICHAUD (FRA)
6. Drew TABKE (USA)
7. Craig GABRIEL (USA)
8. Adrien COIRIER (FRA)
8. Raphy GILLIOZ (SUI)
10. Mathiew RICHARD (CAN)
11. Nicolas PASQUIER (SUI)
12. Nick GREENER (USA)
13. Loris FALQUET (SUI)
14. Estanislao VASIUK (ARG)

Snowboard men
1. Cyril NERI (SUI)
2. Xavier DE LE RUE (FRA)
3. Xavier JORDAN (SUI)
4. Flo ORLEY (AUT)
5. Mitch TOELDERER (AUT)
6. Alex COUDRAY (SUI)
7. Steve KLASSEN (USA)
8. Serge CORNILLAT (FRA)
9. David MAGNUSSON (NOR)
10. Jeremy JONES (USA)
11. Nicolas VAUDROZ (SUI)
12. José CARRON (SUI)
13. Daniel FURBERG (SWE)
14. Julien FALCO (SUI)

Ski women
1. Marja PERSSON (SWE)
2. Jesse McMILLAN (USA)
3. Laura OGDEN (USA)
4. Giulia MONEGO (ITA)

Snowboard women
1. Bibi PEKAREK (AUT)
2. Ruth LEISIBACH (SUI)
3. Géraldine FASNACHT (SUI)
4. Nathalie ZENKLUSEN (SUI)

Article taken from First Tracks!! Online Ski Magazine

Gondola Operations to Improve at India's Gulmarg Ski Area

2007-10-25T08:32:00.000+02:00

Looks like they will be working on improving lift hours in Gulmarg... check out this link!

http://www.firsttracksonline.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=2902

Josh

Ben Walker and Swiss MTB

2007-09-10T08:31:00.000+02:00

Hey guys,

I’m just checking in from Switzerland. I got here a little over a week ago and life is good. Sitting in my apartment in Verbier right now; just got here yesterday after a week in the Portes du Soleil, staying in Champéry with Ben Walker, an old family friend. Ben designs most of the (quality) bike trails in PDS, a ski domain with 12 resorts and over 200 lifts in the winter, 25 run all summer for bikes. He also is a design guru/freeride pro for Scott, who just released the new Gambler, their do-everything downhill/freeride bike. Ben brought them this design, basically from a blank sheet of paper, and it is pretty much the sickest thing I have ever seen. We went to Eurobike (Europe’s equivalent of Interbike) last week in Germany, and the Gambler was Scott’s main attraction, which is saying something for a company whose lightweight carbon fiber designs are the most progressive and lightest in the world right now. It was also the most impressive design I saw at the entire show.

But why I am really writing you about is the riding. For those of you who haven’t sampled any of the European lift-served biking, all I can say is do it now. If you have skied in the Alps, think of the area you can cover on snow, and apply it to 400-year old buffed footpaths. Then throw in absurd dh tracks with 6-10’ switchback berms down a 50-degree talus face, ridiculous north shore features throughout endless “return of the jedi”- woods, high-speed loose-gravel mountain roads, perfect ridgeline singletrack, slick couloir-like log flume chutes, and the ubiquitous dank rifugio scattered across the mountains, with the obligatory accordion band of course, to get beers at the bottom of every run. We rode about 50 miles each day and pedaled for about 10 minutes total. We raced through alpine meadows full of cows, their giant bells constantly providing the background music to the sickest bike runs of my life. We hit 4-6 resorts a day with every type of trail imaginable, and plenty that I would have never imagined. I have never seen anybody handle a bike like Ben, launching 15’ ladder drops in the woods, landing at about 35mph in the gnarliest snot-slick muddy off-camber roots you’ve ever seen. He says, “you don’t want to touch the brakes in the slippery roots, let your bike work and brake later.” Yeah, right. After a couple of rug-jerk, still-clipped in to the pedals, sideways bike confiscations, I am still trying to figure out how to let the bike do its thing without the brakes.

Verbier is still open and you can get 7500’ runs to the valley…that’s the plan for the weekend. It is absolutely ridiculous here; many of the resorts stay open until the end of October and the scene is thriving. Hard to believe that places like JH haven’t got a clue what they could have if they put a little effort into the summer program. Literally hundreds of riders scattered everywhere with 3000euro DH bikes, full-face helmets and gladiator pads. 12-y.o. kids with mini dh frames charging. Moms chasing after and ripping just as well.

If you have a chunk of free time and some frequent flier miles burning a hole in your pocket, come join me for the sickest riding of your life. I’ll be here through November. Riding all over Switzerland, and guiding some people in Lake Garda, Italy in October. Drop me a line if you want to come over and get some 2000m tram-served runs in Italia during wine and truffle harvest season.

I hope all is well and take care.

Cheers,

Jack

Marinelli Couloir

2007-07-17T20:55:00.001+02:00

This spring I had the good fortune to be invited to ski the Marinelli Couloir with Giulia Monego and Jonas (JD) Delogne. Here are some of the pictures from that unforgetable day.
The couloir is 2500 vertical meters at a sustained 45° and is known as the longest in the alps.
The conditions at the top were thin pow which gradually turned into cruisy corn as we entered the main couloir. We were able to make wide open GS turns down the whole thing; stopping every 200m to take in the view and wait for the others.
The finish was an easy push out. When the snow ended, we took off our ski boots and had a pleasant hike to the bottom. Epic ski, great people I couldn't have asked for more.

Full Moon at the Bivy

2007-04-05T18:45:00.000+02:00

On Monday a small crew of us set off for the bivouac of the Pantalon Blanc. After an effortless 3 hour skin/ski, we made it to the top and were greeted by a majestic 360 Degree view of the Alps. En route, we had a French couple who had followed in our tracks and once at the top asked us if they were at the Rosablanche which is a peak in a totally different valley. That peak was way behind us so we told them to stay at the bivouac for the night. The highlight of the evening, besides the dark chocolate, whisky and wine, was a full moon rising over the Matterhorn and illuminating a sea of clouds.

The plan for the morning was to ascend a peak called La Sâle but it was snowing and cloudy so we waited a bit to see what would unfold. We decided to head in that direction anyway and descend from the col down to Bonachiese. As soon as we got into the main couloir a thick cloud engulfed us. From there on we had to move slowly and take out the map every 100m since there were cliffs everywhere. At one stop the three others were checking out the map when a big rock came hurtling down the mountain striking Fred’s binding then Seb’s bag and finally smacking Jesse in the arm. The mood was pretty tense until we got out of the cloud and the rest of the run was pleasantly uneventful.

Big couloirs, Face shots and Zero visibility

2007-03-23T17:40:00.000+01:00

After a week of very warm and very sunny weather, the snow and the winter are back with a vengeance.

Since late in the day last Sunday, seemingly never-ending intermittent snowfall has re-covered our stomping ground. Wednesday was probably the highlight of the week due to the least amount of cloud cover and the best visibility of the week, but every day was worth getting out the big skis for.

Last Sunday was the final day of a great week of ski touring and we finished it off with a big one. Former Chocolate Freerider, Charlie Connell, inspired us to the top of the Couloir de la Dent Jaune shown below. The couloir is a 700m (2300ft) vertical descent onto the apron which is visible at the botom of the photo.

Monday morning was the start of one of our Women's Camps. Normally we would get into the week with some theory, but this week was a bit different. The girls were itching to get after some of the fresh snow so, led by our lead-guide John Falkiner, the group headed off for the backside which had a wind accumulated 30-40cm of blower. The next two days followed suit with great conditions and great skiing. The week ended with more snow and cold weather which bodes well for the upcoming Oneil Xtreme.

This weekend's event should be spectacular given the plentiful conditions. The comp will be broadcast live on our website so be sure to check it out.

Verbier off-piste report

2007-03-11T20:42:00.000+01:00

High winds kept the Mont-Fort tram closed today but the temperatures, 3 degrees at 2000m, were moderate. With a high pressure system settled in over the Alps, the conditions probably will remain stable throughout the week.

Snow conditions are variable, but pockets of untouched pow remain. The southern aspects are turning into spring corn by late afternoon, while the nothern, higher aspects are firm and fast. The avalanche risk dropped to 2 out of 5 today so everything is relatively stable. That said, the 'North Face' of the Mont-Fort slid today so caution is still advised.

Verbier Off-Piste Report

2007-03-07T11:36:00.000+01:00

Things just keep getting funkier. Heavy snow, heavy rain, even heavier winds have combined for some great skiing up high, some treacherous mid-mountain carton, and fast low-level concrete.

Yesterday morning, the hordes broke through to the backside where conditions seemed most likely to be favorable, and sure enough the high alpine delivered some very rewarding compressed pow turns. Once we made it off the first pitch the conditions gradually got worse until we made it to the traverse around the lake which was very hard and quick.

Our second run was off the east aspect of the Greppon Blanc towards Leteygeon. The snow wasn't perfect, but for the most part it was load bearing and kind of soft on top.

On our way back around coming up the chair towards Tortin, 2 Air-Glaciers helis flew over head up towards the dam. Rumour has it 3 people got caught in a slide on the backside in the afternoon as the day got warmer. Apparently there were no injuries.

That's all for now. Forecast for the rest week is a bit mixed with snow and sun making appearances. Temperatures are dropping.

Verbier off-piste report

2007-03-05T13:07:00.000+01:00

Snow has finally arrived in Verbier but warm temperatures kept the snowline high. It rained up to about 2000m from Wednesday to Saturday. It cleared up yesterday and the skiing was fast due to high winds that left the snow well compressed. In some areas like the Col des Mouches all the snow that fell slid to ground. Again high temps created unstable conditions and in the afternoon more areas slid, for example, the Attelas couloirs and other aspects in Tortin-Col des Mouches domain.
It has started snowing again so it looks like we will be getting more powder skiing. Right now it is about 3-4 degrees so the snow is not sticking down here but it is definitely snowing up high.
The winter was late this year but it looks like we might be getting back on track.
Keep your tips up!

Happy Valentine's Day from the Snow Cupids

2007-02-16T08:45:00.000+01:00

Well, it took a while, but it looks like winter in the Alps may finally be making a comeback after a somewhat inocuous start. Total quantities vary, but most of the swiss alps received between 50-80cm over the past few days. It was a windy storm, so the snowpack has yet to sort it itself out entirely, but the past couple of days of skiing have been very good. Temperatures are meant to go up today which should decrease the risk of powder avalanches for this weekend and the upcoming Carnaval week.

December Powder in Verbier

2006-12-12T23:16:00.000+01:00

Jesse Cohen

Only a skier can truly experience the anguish that comes with heavy weather in an other part of the world. Even worse is the feeling when friends are calling to vividly recount the stories of rarely before seen quantities of snow. Such was the situation two short weeks ago when Vancouver BC was being pounded by relentless winter storms - meanwhile, the grass in Verbier was much, much greener.

Well, all that has changed! We got snow. This past Saturday was our first powder day of this young 06/07 winter. Hopefully it will keep coming, and don't fret, we'll keep you posted.

Early Season Turns

2006-12-07T22:23:00.000+01:00

Susanna Magruder

Is it really ski season? Every year, I start counting the days in September. It seems like forever, and then all of a sudden it’s here. The trail run out my back door is transformed to a ski run almost overnight and I tear the garage apart trying to find my gear. The first big skin up was followed by a ridiculous display of skiing down…with my skins still on; it had gotten dark and some how in my November rationale it made sense. Yes, the skins might have protected my bases as well as my bones but this is probably the only time it will ever happen. Leaving the rocks and grass at home we fled to Alta to ride some lifts and feel the early season leg burn. Three days of hard pack were followed by 30’’ new and a mad powder frenzy! Was I ready? Did I even remember how to ski in powder? Were my legs in shape? All the anxiety rushed away in the first effortless powder turn, I was back, home again and it felt magnificent. After a little early season riding I can’t wait for the winter to really begin. So now, let it snow, let it snow, please let it snow!

Fresh Snow!

2006-11-23T16:05:00.000+01:00

Finally feels like winter! 25cm of fresh stuff yesterday morning on the ground... The lifts still aren't running but hopefully as of this weekend it'll be on.

Sir Frederik the Wise

2006-11-07T23:45:00.000+01:00

Many, many years ago in the great land of the Schweiz
There lived an old man who went by the name of Sir Frederik the Wise,

His dream, simple though it seemed
Was to build a giant castle with a chocolate theme!

And so it began, chocolate arrived by day and by night
Flavors a plenty there were, yet for Frederik, the favorite was white.

The cocoa bricks were pieced together and carried ton by ton
Until finally one day, months had passed, the masterpiece was done.

Hot Chocolate was brewed in gallons and painted on the walls
They paved the floor with semi-sweet chips, and dark chocolate filled the halls.

But sadly for Sir Frederik the Wise, one thing was just not right:
The old man forgot that chocolate melts in scorching sunlight!

In horror he watched his castle melt, his eyes glazed with tears
For Sir Frederik witnessed his foolishness and all his wasted years.

He neglected his rightful duties as his land’s man of vision
He wondered if his subjects would forgive his passion

So to apologize for all the silly things that he had ever done
He gave out pieces of his melted castle to each and everyone.