April 18, 2015, Gran Sasso

The forecast was good for today but when we awoke there were plenty of clouds. After a three cappucino breakfast at our hotel Antica Locanda in Pietrocamela, we made the short drive to Prati di Tivo where several other skinners were preparing for the 9 euro gondola to carry us the first 2000' at 830AM.  The snow had not frozen overnight at 6600' but we skinned, down hiked, skinned some more with ski crampons on fairly steep slopes past a hut, and finally boot cramponed to a col where the summit was five minutes away in dramatic in and out clouds.  The few views were spectacular of Dolomiti like peaks and ridges. The ski down was 30 degrees or so with ski penetration 1/8-2" depending on aspect.  Below the hut was quite soft, required a 100' boot pack back to the top of the ski lift and then down through the lonely ski area to the car and beer.  Later we made friends with a local who bought us local adult beverages and taught us some Italian slang. We were very happy Ma Nature allowed us a great day!  Fish Sunday lunch on an Adriatic beach is on the agenda tomorrow as we make our way back to Innsbruck. Viva Italia.  http://www.summitpost.org/ski-routes-of-corno-grande/448734