ARIES74 - Recent messages

Sunday (24.02.) escape from the foggy Slo lowlands to sunny Koralm(Aut)/Golica. Start of hike at 9 o'clock, end at 16.30. Except for the last steep slope before the summit the path was mostly flat. Total ''only'' 500m ascent, but still quite strenuous as the snow crust broke with every step. We had great weather - no wind and sun that warmed us all the time.

Sunday trip to ''Three Kings'' starting from Vel. Tinje took place in super weather, which was perfect for observing and exploring the forest on the way to the top. The path through the forest covered with approx 2-3cm snow, caution still necessary as yesterday's snow covered old ice in some sections-so be careful. Ski slope operating normally- snow somewhere between 20 and 30cm (artificial) no crowds, mostly our J neighbors, as they have holidays.

On Sunday 21.02.2010 we went to Peč or from the Austrian side Petzen. At 1700 m we take the gondola so we didn't hike too much - to the summit still about good 200 elevation meters. But we used the nice day for practical snow profile testing, avalanche assessment, stopping with ice axe - in short 'training'. New snow about 10-20 cm on old base, plus sinking up to waist in places. Also info for skiers who don't know the local ski resort yet - well groomed slopes - I think even in SLO we don't have a ski area where you can descend 1000 vertical meters (maybe I'm wrong)- so hurry while there's still snow...

Sunday 10 Jan. 2010

From Čermožiš across the meadow to the foot of the northern slope and straight up natural passages to the summit. Descent along the hiking trail past Rudi's hut.

During the ascent we practically tested walking with crampons and ice axe and movement by the rope railing...

Trees on Donačka were dressed in thin rime ice and hoarfrost... Sun sparkled on the twigs, that snow and ice kept us company on the way. Some of us got it down the neck too. Stepping out from shady northern side to warm sun meant we reached the top.

On Sunday 27.12. we visited Raduha (from Radušnik direction) snow ca 20-30 cm (more in blown areas). Start through forest still muddy, rest of path normal - nice snow track. To summit and back no need for ice axe or crampons. Learned hut on Loka open until 03.01.2010. LP A