Changing weather, changing plans….

OK, plans have changed slightly.  The Italian Alps, where the Ortler Route is located, have received so much snow in the last week, that doing the route is quite dangerous.  So much so, that guides we know and have met here in Innsbruck have seriously recommended we stay away from that region of the mountains.  So, right now we are researching, talking, planning and considering other tours that can be accomplished, without as many of the dangers that exist on the Ortler Route.  Sort of a bummer, the Ortler is a classic, high route, in a national park.  But, some things are out of our control and we have to adjust to those conditions. 

 

Climbing a peak in perfect conditions is one thing, trying to accomplish that same goal with an extremely dangerous snowpack is another. When a lot of snow falls at one time, it generally forms a layer.  Put that layer on top of another and there’s a good chance it will slide off of the underlying layer.  Make the top layer three feet deep and put it on top of a fragile foundation and you have the makings of a very sketchy situation.  A big part of mountaineering is making decisions based on the conditions at hand. Above all, it is our responsibility to be safe and smart- even if that means changing our goal.

 

That said, the possibilities for backcountry ski trips, or hut tours, in the Alps, are ridiculous.  That is meant in a good way.  Huts are everywhere.  Huge, steep mountains are everywhere.  With a little planning and the right equipment, the possibilites are endless. 

 

The new plan is looking like we will head out tomorrow for the next six days into the Stubaital region, where we will connect three high alpine huts and hit up a number of different peaks. Similar to the Ortler Group, this area has glacier travel, high peaks and countless fresh slopes waiting to be skied.