Despite three snow episodes (dumps as they are called on the anglo fora) over the last week the conditions are not great and a couple of days of foehn could wipe out any gains.

A little afternoon tour to test the fresh snow and gear. There is no base in the snow pack below 1700 meters but still some rocks below 1900 meters.

Direct climb to the Superga from Turin in 25m53, a long way from Thibot Pinot's race winning time of 13m38 and he'd ridden from Milan! The climb is 450 meters at 9% with a couple of ramps en-route.

It seemed like the east side of the Belledonne had been much less wind affected than the west (avalanches yesterday at the refuge d'Oule, col du Mouchillon and Couloir de Pertuis).

I heard that my Thursday meeting was delayed which gave a chance to do a quick tour between two weather fronts on Thursday morning. Snow was still good above 1600m - fresh powder on a firm(ish) base.

Chris had taken a half day from work so the idea was not to go too far but do something a little technical. To our surprise, despite recent snowfall to 800m, there was little snow below 1200m.

I wanted to go and have a look at the snow that had fallen. Not much below 1500 meters.

Grand Rocher is a traditional season kickoff. Not too far to go in doubtful conditions. Not too high when there has been a lot of new snow.

DescriptionThe Col d'Hurtières is a nice little climb out of the Gresivaudan valley near Tencin.

Still suffering from a broken rib due to bike crash so couldn't push it on the flat although largely ok on the hills (different position).