An improvised ski tour up the Tête de Fouran with Cédric and Julien: larch woods, a windy summit and a powder-filled combe, with an eventful finish.
After trying ice climbing yesterday, Cédric and Julien are thinking about giving ski touring a try today. I’m not at all opposed to this last-minute change of plans, since it seems to me that the conditions are perfect for skiing right now!
The day starts with a fine demonstration of the guide’s potential for absent-mindedness! He masterfully forgot my backpack containing my climbing skins and avalanche transceiver. There’s no two ways about it—I’m heading back home, and then we’ll set off again!
It would take more than that to throw us off! We quickly find our rhythm in this beautiful larch forest leading to the Tête de Fouran. The conditions are just like spring!
Let's get a bird's-eye view...
And what was bound to happen happened: after climbing for so long, we finally reached the summit!
We’re not sitting around—the summit is well-ventilated today!! I suggest to my two buddies that we head down into a valley with no tracks, not far from the well-trodden classic route. Cédric and Julien trust me completely, even though they don’t really know what they’re getting themselves into!
The conditions are perfect: packed powder, no tracks, and the chance to ride down safely without putting yourself at risk by playing with the terrain.
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Once past the slightly steeper first section, we reach the bottom of the wide valley, where the powder is still excellent... I can tell right away that Cédric and Julien are more at ease! Cédric takes the opportunity to pull off a few “Gardoise” tricks!
More great stuff at the bottom of the valley. Nice job!
Below 1,700 meters, you have to start paying a little more attention to the snow conditions (and obstacles), and the day's exertions are starting to take their toll on your thighs...
Everything would have been perfect... but a last-minute fall not far from the car left Cédric with a minor knee sprain—fortunately, nothing serious! And for me, it was a chance to try skiing with 75 kilos on my back... quite an experience!
Thanks, guys, for these two wonderful days of exploration. See you this summer, maybe!
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