More Andermatt Powder

On the col before the descent to the Gotthard pass

Powder day!

Andermatt - Off Piste Advanced

Busy lifts!

Sanda skiing the steep couloir 'Giraffe'

John on the Giraffe

Skinning up towards the Gottard pass

The team have been skiing in Andermatt for the week. Despite no fresh snow for seven days I have been seeking out some secret spots with powder and fresh tracks. Within an hours skin of the Gemstock lift system there is some awesome off-piste with very few tracks and unparalled views across the Furka and Gottard passes. These descents all end in the picturesque village of Hospental.

Olly

Slovenia...best snow in decades!

Our good friend Klemen Gricar - the new President of the Slovenian Mountain Guides Assocation - has sent us these pictures of the conditions near his home in Gozd Martuljek. 

It's said to be the best start to the winter in decades in Slovenia with as much as 7 (seven!) meters in some areas and so bodes very well for our planned trip 8-15 March 2009. This is is still rather undersubscribed which we can't understand - fantastic snow, awesome skiing, friendly people, excellent food, great beer...who can ask for more. For full details click on Julian Alps Ski Ski Touring

 

      

  

Ice Climbing - Cascade des Pichou

Matt giving it some welly!

Tom looking confident

Me trying not to get pummelled by the team above

Tom learning how to lead climb

After all that powder skiing on the Valley Blanche I had a day off my skis and climbed a lovely 4 pitch ice route only 30 minutes walk from La Tour , Chamonix. A chilly day in the shade with some great ice although the cold temperatures made for numb fingers and some brittle sections. Luckily Matt and Tom were sheltered from the occasional ice block shower!

Olly
PS: Wonder if I could rock climb (in the sun), ice climb, paraglide and ski all in the same day! Watch this space.

Valley Blanche Powder

Carl enjoying Amazing powder

Suzie hard at work in the office!!

Vallee Blanche - Off Piste Performance

Our Off -Piste performance course had a memorable couple of days skiing in the Valley Blanche, Chamonix. The weather and snow was amazing. Definitely one of the best powder days yet. I think the whole ski team would agree it was magical moment and for some in the group a first on untracked snow! There was no wind, blue skies and very few tracks. With a little bit of creative crevasse dodging we found the best lines. I'll post some more pictures over the next few days and a link to the whole album.

Happy Skiing Olly

Powder Day - Valley Blanche, Chamonix