Vertical Climbed: 1,075 meters (3,527 feet)
Avalanche Risk: 1
Snowline: 1,450
With temperatures hitting 26C today, in the valley, it almost seems like summer has arrived. However we're expecting snow at 1500 meters this weekend with a brutal drop in temperatures. Winter hasn't said its last word.
The snow starts at the Habert du Muret and is more or less continuous on the left bank of the valley with a few easily avoidable stones. The traverse at 1650 meters towards the Habert d'Aiguebelle lacks snow but this is not too important. We also took off skis to cross the stream to climb the right bank of the Venetiers valley which has better snow cover between 1750 and 1900 m. Afterwards snow cover is continuous and the Jas de Lievres (SE couloir), Dents de Bedina are still skiable. The access to the Dents de Pra (west) has old avalanche paths. There are also obvious small slabs at the top of the Venetiers valley on SE, S and SW slopes. You can still climb to the very summit of the Jasse on skis, witness to the contrasting snow cover above 2000 meters. Below I'd say the season is 2 or 3 weeks in advances of normal.
We waiting a bit at the top to let the snow thaw. It was a bit chilly with a cold southerly winds. We skied down the SE faces in very good snow until the Venetiers. Between the Venetiers and Aiguebelle the snow had sun or rain cups and was less fun to ski. The border cross was good but there is not a lot of room now with one or two rocks poking up.
The refreeze is not very deep, the snow will rapidly turn to slush after midday.
Weather: Warm, sunny but cold wind from south on the summits. High cloud later. Good freeze/thaw by 10h30 on S. faces
Access: A couple of small sections of snow. We parked at the reservoirs (1400m), the track is not in great condtion these days.
Country: France Area: Belledonne Trailhead: Prabert
