news from the slopes 2009-10

Our occasional updates on news and conditions:

Some great off-piste and touring (28 Dec '09)

Despite some mixed weather there has been some excellent off-piste and touring in western Switzerland (see right our short video of powder snow on Boxing Day).  The avalanche hazard has been high in many parts of Switzerland, with a weak snowpack base and windslabs forming.  More snow is forecast, which will be accompanied by rapid changes in temperature and some strong winds.

Rescue Team prepares for winter (21 Dec '09)

The Leysin Mountain Rescue Team held its first training session of the winter season (transciever training).  Through the winter the Team has a training programme that includes difficult terrain, helicopter use, avalanche and cable car evacuation. 

Cold powder on a firm base (20 Dec '09)

In western Switzerland many low to medium altitude tours are in fine condition with light cold powder on a firm base of old snow.  The weather forecast is for winds from the west and precipitation.

Fragments of 2009 (16 Dec '09)

A reminder, a thank you, and best wishes for the festive season and 2010 (see presentation to the right or visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeWR7_kDke4).

First tour of the season (1 Dec '09)

There are good conditions for low altitude touring in Western Switzerland.  There is more snow to the east, where large areas are avalanche category 4 (high).

First avalanche awareness of the season (18 Nov '09)  

An assembly at Leysin American School aimed at reminding students about key points to understand and avoid avalanches is the first avalanche awareness session for the 2009-10 winter (see the LAS presentation to the right).  For a refresher of key avalanche awareness go to www.avalanchetraining.info/revision.htm and perhaps think about one of our avalanche training courses.

Perfect snow (in Sikkim) (16 Nov '09)

It has been an excellent autumn in the Sikkim Himalaya, with perfect snow conditions and great weather.  Our trip ended with a presentation to organizations in Gangtok about considerations to develop mountain rescue in Sikkim (see presentation to the right).