Zalöner Grat – December 26, 2008

We have a really good snow base here in Switzerland, but the recent high temperatures, rain up to higher elevations and the howling winds deteriorated the snowpack considerably in large parts of Switzerland.

So the hopes that we can find some good powder were relatively slim. We did a leisurely tour in the Safiental up to the Zalöner Grat to work off some of the Christmas fat, and were pleasantly surprised to find such good conditions.

Up it goes on a perfect bluebird day


A nice wooden stable


Claudia is trying to catch up with her dad, but he left us already in the dust


Pascal on the way up


The last few meters


Taking a break on the top (Piz Gün in the background)


Looking to the west


Conditions in the middle part were great. Even though I did not catch Pascal in the greatest of postures.


Stefan


Pascal on a shady slope


And one more time


Taking a break after a great 1200 vertikal meter run and soaking in the last sun rays of the day