Laax: off-piste info wanted

Hello,

heading to Laax in the mid March

Any info on "where to find powder" would be highly appreciated (do I need a guide there or can find and ski myself?).

I also would be glad to join a group of good skiers looking for powder time.

Also, any info on where to buy food (I stay in a studio), as well as good skishops in case I need something.

Thanks in advance

Paul

Well, unless the weather behaves in the next week or so, I don't like your chances. I left a week ago and the sun was already creating slush and the last week has been very warm.

Anyway, if by some chance there is some fresh snow, there are plenty of lift-accessible bowls that would be good. Look for the 2-seater over on the far left of the trail map for example.

We found plenty of powder in the trees off to the right-hand side of the trail next to the 6-seater chairlift up from Plaun. But it got worse the longer our week wore on.

That is just within the resort near lifts. I don't know about further afield. But I think with the wind and sun the last couple of weeks, the only hope you have is fresh snow between now and your holiday - and lots of it! There was really only decent powder in the trees even a couple of weeks ago.

<--- January is this way.

Powder in March is a tall order.

Not to be a fun spoiler, but at the moment I would not suggest going off piste anywhere, especially not in an area you dont know. The avalanche danger is very big and they are coming down on a daily basis, not always the cause of off piste skiers, but some are triggered by off piste skiers.

I have had fantastic powder days in May, it just has to snow the night before, early season powder lasts a little longer.

Spring skiing is what's usual in March, you can get some great off piste skiing as the snow transforms just follow the sun !

To be honest Andermatt with a north facing glacier might be a better bet with a mountain guide if your a good skier.

Agree with fatmanfilms - Andermatt is very good!

I was in Laax yesterday and it felt like spring ski time. Icy in the morning and slush in the afternoon. I didnt even bother with the off piste areas.

I also noticed alot less snow compared to 3 weeks ago (there hasnt been any fresh snow for some time now).

Unless we get a HUGE dump in the next few days/weeks you are likely to get disappointed in regards to powder.

On the avalanche risk: The problem is the bonding of the snow to the surface, as can be seen in Laax by several "all the way to ground" avalanches that have already fallen (this also goes for most other areas aswell). As always, mornings will be "safer" than afternoon's.

I think there is not enough fresh snow for off piste skiing at the moment.

it is better to check the weather forecast before you go there.

anyway LAAX is great place for off piste skiing.

It's snowing hard now in avoriaz, 20 cm according to a friend who is there. This time of year 24 hours is a very long time as far as snow conditions go.

oh..yes. you are right. I have just check the weather information.

Snowing!!

Even on the piste is pretty risky this season...

When it's extremely cold , the warmth of the ground can cause a goblet crystal base thats very unstable, then with hot weather lots of melting snow. the water percolates down to the ground & the snow slides. Afternoons in hot weather can be very dangerous .

And more local:

Engelberg yesterday

Elm on Saturday

It's not at all surprising because of the temperature, what is surprising is that the pistes at risk are open, normally the avalanche patrol set them off before the pistes open

I asked my husband and he said you can probably go skiing in Laax until beginning of April. He said anything about 1,200m is usually pretty good til then. We normally go to Lenzerheide (which isn't too far from Laax). We normally spend our time in Laax at the Caumasee (absolutely beautiful). So since I personally don't know anything about skiing in Laax ... or anything about skiing at all ... Here is a nice link for you: http://www.laax.com/en/skiing-area/ On the other hand, my husband is a professional snowboarder and perhaps he'd like the tag along with you... his English isn't very good though. Hope this helps

Lots of good snow on the Schilthorn (Murren). The entire bowl are of the Birg has some great off piste skiing, especially if you are willing to sling and hike. I was up there this past weekend and the off piste was slushy because of the warmth, but they got some snow yesterday and are supposed to get more Thursday.