Report from February 17, 2025

Yesterday, we ascended the Skyway Monte Bianco with plans to ski the East Face of La Spalla.

We were hoping for one last powder run before the sun finally took its toll on nearly all the snow on this south side of Monte Bianco.

Just the ride up is exhilarating.

We followed Marco and the Finnish Crew out, back, around, and over to the top of the East Face.

The wind was howling, the shade cold, and the views across the valley stunning.

Just getting our skis on felt like an accomplishment in that cantilevered locale.

They let me drop first.

I was terribly tired from my travels and the non-stop pace of skiing we’d been executing.

I inched across very steep, crusty snow until I was in position.

I took a few breaths, focused my mind, and dropped in.

The snow was teetering on the line between being good and being crusty.

Some turns better than others; some turns downright stiff.

I grunted and ground my way down, using all my remaining energy to keep my flow, focus, and fun pinned as high as possible.

I gradually shifted my line right until I hit truly firm snow, then wandered back left and found a bit more of soft.

The bergshrund was much smaller than it looked from afar.

I dripped over it and opened up my turns down the apron to a flat spot where I unbuckled my boots and panted for a while.

I watched the other boys rip down and cheered them on.

From there, the snow was pretty rough down to the mid-station.

I battled my way down and gladly plopped down in a lounge chair in the sun.

What a contrast…

A lift that brings you directly into some of the more challenging terrain around, and then you’re sitting in an easy chair with cafés, piano music, and sweet-smelling tourists all around you.

It’s a shock to the senses.

Anxiety, fear, thrill, and comfort all within minutes.

We went inside to one of the nicest cafes I’ve been in anywhere for snacks and cappuccinos.

I was spent.

The boys wanted more.

I took the tram down while they skied down.

I picked them up with the car in La Palud, and we rolled home.

Unreal, high-contrast day.

Thanks, Italy!

Photos