Ski Touring: Ski Sea and Sun

Sun, 16 April 2000

Technical

Vertical Climbed: 850 meters (2,789 feet)

Avalanche Risk: 2

Snowline: 1,600

Description

Swimming and skiing in the same day, well the sea was pretty rough in April and not that warm, around 16C. I then drove up from Antibes into the mountains, without any guide book I picked the route out on the map as something that seemed likely. I was blocked by snow at 1600m. Snow was a bit soggy, crossed one skier descending through the forest. The route was pretty flat except for the climb to the final ridge. The summit was in and out of the clouds and there was no view of the sea. On the ski down I followed the river at 1800m which was a mistake as the banks started off flat and open and ended up steep with lots of trees. Take care with the route here.

Weather: Warm, sunny, lots of cumulus.

Access: Blocked with snow at 1600m near the barns.

Country: France Area: Mercantour Trailhead: Madone de Fenestre

 

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