Minimum altitude: 1,442 meters
Distance: 15 km
Slope Aspect: North-West
Vertical Climbed: 1,434 meters (4,705 feet)
Vertical Descended: 1,418 meters
Rating: 3.3
Avalanche Risk: 2
Snowline: 1,550
The Col de Mottes between 2500-2650 is very icy. 5 to 10 cm of fresh snow on a frozen base. Mike did it all on skis (and couteaux), while I climbed the last 50 m with crampons. I imagine it was all stripped by the wind. Very windy at the top. Okay below the pass. Powder descent on an icy base to 2500m, then 1-2 cm of fresh on a crust (of rain?). Between 2300-1850 transformed snow then still icy snow below l'Eveque (watch out again). We returned via the slope below l'Oursiere (5-minute climb up the path), almost to the car.
Big slab below Dent du Pra NE - the upper part would seem difficult to ski.
Fine weather until 2pm. Very strong refreeze. Rather tiring outing due to the conditions (ice).
