Vallon D'Arbi - A Type 2 Fun Day!

After a bit of a warm up in Lac des Vaux, I noticed that the Vallon D'Arbi was finally open.  Out of all the itinerary routes in Verbier this one is my all time favourite.  Quieter than Tortin with numerous off piste variations, it has it's draw backs too.  When it's not avalanching, you often have to ski through solidified debris, the top cat track traverse is usually super icy and lumpy, and the last section to La Tzoumaz provides a 'long arduous descent if you have crippled knees!'  Unless you can sideslip, kickturn, and feel confident in all sorts of snow, this is not the run for you!

The traverse across to Col des Mines after leaving the dug in cat track

I was rather relieved that the 'direct' descent from the traverse to the bottom of the valley was covered in small rocks, with rather dubious looking snow cover, as we had brought no avy gear with us.  At least we weren't missing out on some powder!  So, we continued on to the Col des Mines and would make our route choice from there.

Yup, that's where the route goes, straight through the debris

On any descent in this valley you normally have to cross some avalanche debris.  It's notorious for avalanching, and is one place that I respect when officially closed.  Luckily for us the track through was well used, and the few places lower down the route were simple enough too.

Jim doing some 'mini tree skiing'  It only got worse after this

The top pitches held small bumps, quite soft forgiving snow, and pretty good all things considered.  The further down we skied, the more plantlife and rocks appeared, and the more interesting the snow got!

Finally meeting the piste, a much needed picnic stop was taken at the Maison de Foret, before continuing, partially on ski, partially on foot, to La Tzoumaz.