TR - Deepest days in La Grave 24-26 Feb 2007

**Arno** · 02-28-2007, 01:45 AM

Cross post from another forum but I thought you lot might like this

Six of us met up for some guided skiing in La Grave. Our guide was definitely a chip off the maggot block. He was disappointed that you were no longer allowed to ski the Triffides couloirs as part of the Derby de la Meije on the basis that "it is safe if you go fast - there is only a problem if you go slow"

So, we had 1 day of 15-20cm windblown snow then 2 with a least a foot of fresh. And we even had the odd bit of good visibility to enjoy it in. Here are some pics:

The quiver for the weekend:

La Grave... even the toilet signs are rough and ready:

Scenic at the bottom of the Vallons

A bit of scrambling into Triffides

The group muster in Triffides

**Arno** · 02-28-2007, 01:46 AM

Arno displays albatross steeze

fatbob keeps it tidy

Arno enjoys the apron of Triffides

The snout of the glacier

JT in the Banane

The peanut gallery look on:

And finally... perfect tracks on the last day:

**Telepath** · 02-28-2007, 01:52 AM

Fack. I miss it

**Mulletizer** · 02-28-2007, 02:03 AM

Originally Posted by Telepath

Fack. I miss it

Me too.

**subtle plague** · 02-28-2007, 02:26 AM

nice.
more snow on the way on friday. i hope i can go there next week when it gets a bit cooler.
finally a good snowyear in la grave.

**Roo** · 02-28-2007, 03:06 AM

That is what I call perfect timing. Something I am not blessed with this season.

I'll head over to LG some time next week by which time it'll certainly be refrozen mank.

Nice pics. Was the Freaux in condition?

**Arno** · 02-28-2007, 03:38 AM

The guides thought it wise to leave it a couple of days before doing the bigger lines like that because of all the new snow. I think it was skiable before the weekend so it'll be a case of judging snow conditions on the day. If it does warm up, I guess you may find yourself skiing avvy debris

**Mrs Roo** · 02-28-2007, 04:06 AM

You lucky, lucky, lucky, lucky little beggar. Glad you enjoyed it.

**Roo** · 02-28-2007, 04:10 AM

Originally Posted by Arno

The guides thought it wise to leave it a couple of days before doing the bigger lines like that because of all the new snow. I think it was skiable before the weekend so it'll be a case of judging snow conditions on the day. If it does warm up, I guess you may find yourself skiing avvy debris

After what I've been skiing this year, avy debris will be a luxury (unless I am an integral part of said avy debris). I can't even begin to imagine the feeling of helpless resignation seeing a wall of snow come at you down the Freaux.

**Hicks** · 02-28-2007, 10:09 AM

Originally Posted by Roo

After what I've been skiing this year, avy debris will be a luxury .

You are a spoiled brat, no?
You should have joined me for a day at Verbier to get your records sexed up a bit.

**Roo** · 02-28-2007, 10:15 AM

I was afraid Dr What? would chop my hooves off.

**RootSkier** · 02-28-2007, 10:41 AM

Hah! A plumber! Just goes to show there are a few non-dentists here.

**Roo** · 02-28-2007, 10:44 AM

arno - Did you live up to your signature?

**Arno** · 02-28-2007, 10:46 AM

Originally Posted by Roo

arno - Did you live up to your signature?

possibly for two days... on the third day i skied like a man, but that man was a gaper (and a very tired gaper at that)

**Buster Highmen** · 02-28-2007, 10:54 AM

Brings back very fond memories of P2. I could ski this for weeks:

**bbirtle** · 02-28-2007, 11:22 AM

Wow La Grave looks cool. Glad you got some great conditions!

**BFD** · 02-28-2007, 11:45 AM

thank's for the photos looks like your timing was perfect. Was planning to be there now. Than AK goes and has record snows in Dec. than a great Jan. decide to stay home as wasn't seeing much in Europe. Now this Feb. may go down as the driest ever for the Chugach. Go figure.

**Arno** · 02-28-2007, 11:54 AM

Originally Posted by Roo

That is what I call perfect timing. Something I am not blessed with this season.

I'll head over to LG some time next week by which time it'll certainly be refrozen mank.

Nice pics. Was the Freaux in condition?

I'm hearing that at least 75cm of fresh (above P1 anyway) is forecast by the end of this weekend. Your timing might not be too bad