Nordic Skiing: First ski of new season

Sat, 12 November 2016

Technical

Distance: 9 km

Slope Aspect: South-East

Trip Reports

Vertical Climbed: 400 meters (1,312 feet)

Description

First ski of the new season. There was 40cm at the col de Porte. The choice was piste - but we were worried about the crowds, ski de rando - but no base and the first ski is always a bit poor - or nordic. I finally opted for the long climb to the Bergeries of Charmant Som. Always hard at the start of the season before the snow has settled. Still lots of competition skiers who were very impressive on the way up and down, some skiing better than downhill skiers that I saw. Lovely views from the Oratoire over the snowy alps but will it warm up and ruin the snow like last year?

There was around 25cm of snow depth on the road - which had been prepared by the resort's piste basher. Around double that off piste.

Weather: Warm, sunny, cloud sea at around 1250 meters.

Access: Snow on the road after the Col de Palaquit (1150m)

Country: France Area: Chartreuse Trailhead: Col De Porte

 

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