Mixed snow conditions but another great week!

The team reaching the top of Col du Passon last Friday.

A chilly cold start to the week kept the Off piste snows cold but with wind first from the North, the North East, then West and South West all of the deep powder that we have become accustomed to these past few months quickly dissapeared as if vaporized.

We found the last of the powder in the back bowls of Le Tour on day 1 then headed up the Grands Montets on day 2 for a big run down the Pas du Chevre were we found a mix of good spring corn snow on the sunny slopes, cold smooth wind blown carvy snow up top and a nice bit of powder through the middle.

The high exit couloir was in good condition and with a quick abseil from the exit tree the run had everything we needed to make a great day.

Day 3 we went hiking in the Aguille Rouge for a classic Crouchue/Berarde. Not he best conditions back there as the wind has stripped every aspect, but the snow was soft underfoot, still cold and good fun to carve around in. A big day out for all!

Day 4 saw us descend the Petite Envers in the Valley Blanche and practice some 'planned' Crevasse rescue, a bit of an easy day before the big ascent of the Col du Passon which everyone enjoyed both up and down on Day 5!

The weather then changed on Saturday so we went top ride the trees in Courmayeur. A bit of rain and snow but the snow prevailed up high and by the afternoon things were starting to look and feel good and we just charged around getting in loads of riding.

It was a hard week finding the good conditions but we made the most of it and had a great week.

Its chucking it down with rain outside right now which should mean its snowing up high so things are looking up for this weeks BC Freeride course which starts tomorrow. Lots of rain so hopefully lots of snow and a good day in the trees of Courmayeur tomorrow!

All is good!

Neil.