Vertical Climbed: 1,000 meters (3,281 feet)
Avalanche Risk: 1
Snowline: 1,560
Traditional season opener at les 7 laux. We were disappointed that the pistes didn't open this weekend but there really wasn't enough snow at the bottom - around 30cm, ok ski touring but not enough for hordes of skiers. After a rapid climb to the col (750m/h) I took the canyon of the Oudis stream, still in fresh powder with only a couple of tracks. I followed the powder right down to the Oursiere chair, around 400 meters of excellent skiing.
I then climbed up the pistes to the Dome d'Oudis. I'd had enough of powder at this stage and not sure of the conditions on the east face of the Roche Noire (crust? heavy pow? rocks?) I skied down the pistes back to resort. The snow canon snow was very icy and needed some good edging, I'd seen quite a few people fall as I was climbing.
The snow is starting to destructure in the anti-cyclonic conditions, could form a weak layer after the next snowfall.
Weather: Warm and sunny.
Access: Snow covered for the last couple of km
Country: France Area: Belledonne Trailhead: Pipay
