Tour de Bavon, Switzerland

As the "shakedown" day for the trip, it was decided to do a bit of skinning and some downhill. Last time we were here we had gone to have a look at the tour de Bavon ...  unfortunately there was a lack of snow and we were too late for the lift.

Ski area

the Liddes/ Vichere ski area is a small off the beaten track resort but ideal for this moment. A one time lift pass, goes up the chair lift then down the piste to the T-bar. From the top of this there is a fantastic view of the Mont Blanc range the other side of the La fouly valley.

From here it is a slight descent to the col to put the skins on, and then up to the plateau. From here we could see that the Tour was rather bare, but the next summit down the ridge "Bec Rond" was looking in great shape.

Bec Rond

What you cannot see is that there is a slight dip before the main ascent, but it gave some practice in skinning downhill.
Also vague in the picture is the fact that there is a small rocky arête before the final summit slope. We chose to leave the skis at this point, however on the other side of the arête, there was some soft snow to cross before the final step.
From the top the views were once again magnificent.

After a bite to eat and general hanging around. It was time to head back.

Skis on and we go down.

 Ready for the descent. the upper slopes were slightly crusty and patches were getting soft. Just before we got back to the ski area the slopes were in great shape.

 Once back at the ski area keeping to the pistes, or at least the tracked areas was a necessity, as the rest was very soft and heavy.

The final run was bare and had retreated more even during the day.

All in all an excellent day, and a great way to start the week.