Verbier: What a start!

After retiring for the evening with snow still falling down, the YES Crew awoke Monday morning to clear blue skies.  With a fresh coat of powder covering the resort, the groups were eager to get out on the slopes.  Kevin’s group had the pleasure of skiing with Adrien from Powder Extreme. He showed them some great spots and led the group to fresh snow all day.  The group had a ball and was worn out by the end of the day.

Some got more powder than others.

Mont Fort, 3,330m.

Verbier village from the ridge above Lac des Vaux.

Bob’s group launched out of the gate in a quest to find some good snow.  After a trip over to Mont Fort and down to Tortin, they hit pay-dirt in the Greppon Blanc area.  After some good turns it was time to head back via La Cabane de Mont Fort and a gentiane.  Upon their arrival they were not so shocked to see the PowderPuffs already there. 

Team B.O.B.

The PowderPuffs had a great start to the day.  A quick warm-up down to Lac des Vaux and the James Blunt chair had them ready for an adventure.  A tricky little traverse through some rocks led them onto the ridge above Lac des Vaux.  From there it was fresh powder in the sun back to the lift.  With grins from ear to ear they then headed off the La Chaux in search of more good snow.  They found it off the top of Fontanet overlooking the terrain park.  The run was so good it had to be done a second time before heading up the Jumbo to access the top of the Mont Fort. Topping out at 3,330m there was time for some photos and to free a guy who locked himself in the toilet before heading down.  With crevasses still visible, it was stick between the poles as they made their way down the bumpy slope.  As they were heading up the Gentianes Poma, disaster struck.  The lift broke down.  That meant a 900 vertical meter ski down to Tortin in off-piste conditions.  With tired legs and hungry stomachs, some hangry PowderPuffs made it to a well deserved lunch. 

The PowderPuffs atop the Lac des Vaux ridge.

Mont Gele, 3,023m.

Becs enjoying the powder of La Chaux. 

After re-charging the batteries, it was up the Tortin tram and back over towards La Chaux.  Some good snow was found off to the side of the Gentianes which led to a quick break at the Cabane de Mont Fort.  From there it was homeward bound through the powder bowl off Fontanet and then following the winding trail through the trees back to Verbier.  A quick stop at the Pub Mont Fort for happy hour before finally making it back to the hotel.

YES Alumi Rombout was in town on a break from Uni and bumped into Bob and Meesh on the slopes. All in all a great day was had by everyone, and some very weary skiers headed off to dinner and a good nights rest.

Warning not to splat on the glacier.