Feb 1

Posted by: Matt Spenceley
01 February 2010 

After a long day out on the Grauistöckli (see previous post), some snowfall was on the forecast, the most predicted further west, so we packed the car and headed to Verbier for a day and a half.  I'd only been once before, and then in late spring, so was pretty interested to follow up on the big reputation the place has amongst guides back home.  First impression was of the complexity and steepness of the terrain and the massive infracture in place to get all over the mountain(s).  In a couple of days there, I saw more big skis being used on exposed and steep lines than we do in a season back in the Berner Oberland.  Those same skis also meant that the new snow disappeared within a morning, although we still found a bit of fresh amongst the trees.  It seems that many of the best couloirs are reached by skinning/boot-packing from the top of the lifts.  I look forwards to heading back now that I've got a grip on finding my way around the place.

Searching for untracked snow...

Verbier village from the resort

Easy living in Verbier

Looking towards our next stop: Chamonix

Rob skiing down the back