Weather prospects looking rough, but with high cloud and no rain, experience taught us to get out there ... We knew the Liddes ski area would be closed after the weekend, so a good way to take advantage of some harder packed snow on the runs to gain height.The rain over the last few days had changed the car-park at the bottom of the area significantly and there was little snow left. So we carried the skis up the slopes to the first big patches.
Setting off directly upwards, roughly following the first chairlift, we struggled with some very soft snow. It was amazing how the rain had softened up the hard packed snow of a few days, and now it was difficult to get any purchase with the skins at all.
As we came out of the sparse tree cover into the meadows above, the skinning became slightly easier.
Heading towards the ridge line, the idea was to keep going until we were either forced back by the ever encroaching weather, or we ran out of energy.
In reality it was a mixture of both ... we achieved the high point of the ridge, and went on to the top of the highest drag lift before the rain/ sleet started penetrating the gortex.
Time for a bite and a drink, before taking enjoyment in being the only people on the mountain that day, and attacking the slopes.As we got lower the snow became less responsive and heavier... but still better than walking.
The bottom section was a game of escape and evasion as we picked a line of snow as low as possible before walking back to the car.Wet but pleasantly enjoyable, we had made the most of the day. Time now to plan what to do next.
