South for sunshine, also found nice enough snow for fun skiing. I had been thinking I needed more snow, but adding sunshine was enough to feel confident to enjoy what’s already here.
To maximize my chance of avoiding yesterday’s flat light, I went south of Grenoble to the Pays de la Mure mountain group—my first tour there—tried the Tabor de la Mure from St Honore 1500.
Snow ranged from creamy to chalky-firm, but no crust. Aspects mostly southwest and some northwest. Each area of snow was pretty consistent so I could get into a turning rhythm without being afraid of hitting something unexpected. Only a few exposed hardpack sections on the tour route, especially on the summit ridge (I used couteaux).
Interesting short route. Mostly less than 30 degrees.
No signs of any avalanche activity.
Saw one other solo skier and a party of four ... everybody seemed to be finding the snow very skiable.
Afterward I was pretty impressed by what I saw driving around the D115 + D114 thru the midst of the Pays de la Mure, over Col de la Mallisol in the south, then back thru the Alpe du Grand Serre station to return north toward Grenoble. Almost the only car on the road on a mid-week day, quiet villages, with impressive peaks around.
Hope to get down there again.
Ken