Ski touring in Valmeinier near Mont Thabor: a memorable day of untouched powder around the Passage de la Pissine and Mont Touvet.
Yesterday, the ball got off to a grand start in two runs of sugar gathered with minimal effort. Today, there are no mechanical aids to come to our rescue. We’ll have to earn every turn with the sweat of our brow! All around us, the skiers at the lodge clearly hadn’t experienced the same euphoria we had the day before. And our stories of powder leave more than a few people skeptical… So much so that I almost hesitate to try the same route as yesterday!!
We’re actually heading in pretty much the same direction today. “Worst-case scenario, we’ll just go for a nice hike!” So off we go to the Pissine Pass, which we reach via a scenic ramp. The climb is steady, and our bodies are already feeling less the strain than yesterday! A superb atmosphere and perfect solitude for us, with Mount Thabor in the background.
A quick search on the Valloire side led me to a small patch of pure powder—guaranteed additive-free. I figured those 200 meters were always worth taking and would be enough to console us in case the conditions were disappointing on the other side... At that point, we had no idea!!
After this short but exhilarating interlude, we head back up toward the unnamed peak between Mont Touvet and the Pissine Pass. We take a nice little break at the summit, which gives us a chance to watch a herd of chamois pass by. Between those looking for grass and those looking for powder, the mountains are definitely home to some strange birds!
The climb to this summit wasn’t entirely without purpose. I took the opportunity to peek over the ridge that stretches between Mont Touvet and the summit. One quick glance, and my doubts about the snow quality vanished… the powder looked absolutely perfect! Or maybe it’s the other way around… the start of a legendary descent, right in front of the mountain hut!
We take a break at the first ledge and then move on to the second couloir! Escobar would have paid a fortune for powder of this quality! Our legs are getting a little tired, but the excitement is palpable! We take turns breaking trail...
After a descent like that, we can head back to the lodge with a sense of a job well done! To top off these perfect moments, we set up a table on the most beautiful terrace in Valminois, where we can leisurely discuss our runs. Lolo signs a few autographs for his fans, who follow him everywhere!
A beer, an omelet, and a nap later, part of the team is re-energized! And we're at it again behind the shelter on another nameless hill...
The madness continues! We’re climbing a slope with a really crusty surface, but the north-facing descent turns out to be just as awesome as this morning’s run!!
Down below, there's spring snow above the shelter. The powder was flying today—we're treating ourselves to a well-deserved rest!
An intimate evening at the completely deserted shelter tonight! Marie Paule is whipping up a delicious meal for us, which only adds to the enjoyment!
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