Another successful Spring
~ Thursday, 26th April 2012The Spring this year has brought a variety of conditions to both challenge and satisfy ski tourers throughout the alps. My final two weeks of touring were for the Eagles Ski Club, Britains only dedicated ski touring club.
We enjoyed great weather and conditions for the Inroduction to Alpine ski touring course based in Arolla, Switzerland. Euan Whittaker and a hardy group of 8 Eagles joined me for lots of fun, learning and some fantastic skiing.
During the week we enjoyed day tours to the Plan de Bertol and the Col des Ignes, had a great off piste day off the lifts in Arolla and embraced the challenge of a two day trip to the Cabane des Dix and tour over the Pigne d'Arolla.
The following week, in the Gran Paradiso National Park brought more challenging conditions. A massive dump of snow on the first day meant that only gentle routes were likely to be safe. Sadly, the amount of fresh and heavy snow also meant that the ski down was not as satisfying as hoped!!
Things settled, but the deep snow remained up high. Breaking trail was good honest exercise and every turn was savoured.
Highlights of the week included great views of a young fox just outside the Chivasso hut and a successful ascent of a very cold Gran Paradiso on the final morning!!
Thanks to all who joined me this year, for all your hard work and efforts and constant smiles!!
Good skiing, Andy.
