April 21, 2011, Palon de la Mare (Ortler)

As usual we had a relaxed start for Palon, having been advised by a guide the night before that 1PM was the optimal time for a fine corn descent from the summit.   Again ski crampons were helpful in the morning shade, especially for the members with skis > 85mm under foot.  We made good time to the top, so we enjoyed over half an hour alone there, and we had perfect skiing for the steeper portions of the descent.

Back at Branca Hut, I met a Dynafit race team, training for the upcoming Mezzalama race next weekend in Italy, and a German who skied a few British Columbia trips with Joe Firey in the 80s.  Everyone seems to be in the Orlter Alps this year because of the low snow levels everywhere else.  Sure enough another acquaintance, at dinner I met a guide from the Pyrenees we had enjoyed on the Haute Route eight years ago.  His group had driven 14 hours to be here in the great conditions!