After the dramatic thaw we lost a fair bit of snow, there were plenty of wet snow avalanches and dramatic runnel patterns on the surface of the snow where the water had been running down, this was most evident on our day trip to First. We headed over with a group of six, the descent to Grund was pretty icy and rattly first thing. Alastair Pink on his Telemark skis, dressed for the occasion!
It was a very busy day and we came across a fairly lengthy wait at the First Bahn, we spent the time swapping sailing stories and getting to know Alex Drew (Alastair Drew’s Australian grandson) who was with us as a guest for the day.
Once we were up at the top the skiers had thinned out so there was not too much waiting for the lifts, we enjoyed some good runs in the sun on snow that was softening as the day went on. Alison & Sean Hinde joined us for lunch at Schrecfeld and then for few runs in the afternoon including the long run down to Stahlisboden.
Monday morning, soldiers from the Swiss army arrived before the fresh snow! They have been hard at work all week building scaffold towers and grandstands, laying decking, erecting safety fencing, attaching loud speakers to the chairlift towers and erecting temporary buildings. The steady buzz of helicopters can be heard, transporting materials up to the course and viewing areas. Snow cannons are on overtime pumping out artificial snow.
Mid week the snow arrived as forecast, such a relief after the warm spell, colder temperatures and approximately 10cm to 20cm fell, it was pretty windy at times and the avalanche hazard increased to Considerable.
On Monday I gave an avalanche information talk in the club room, I have experience of working as an avalanche forecaster and ski patroller and would like to share my knowledge with members. This will be a regular feature on Monday’s throughout the season, please come along if you are interested 4.30pm – 5.30pm.
A fairly blustery day with poor visibility on Wednesday was an ideal opportunity to carry out some transceiver practice, this was a first for some of the group. If you are going to ski off piste it is essential that you practice with your avalanche rescue equipment and know how it works.
Entries are now being accepted for the MR WAMP on Thursday 13th Jan, first prize a pair of tickets for Fridays WC downhill (5chf to be paid in resort)
Also the Eastwood Trophy Super G, Friday 21st January on to be held on the top section of the Lauberhorn course. This is an excellent opportunity for Inferno participants to get up to speed! (10chf to be paid in resort)
Please email wengen.manager@downhillonly.com if interested.
We have introduced a WhatsApp ski leading group, to improve communication and notify members interested in taking part of any changes or plans for the day.
Please contact me via WhatsApp on the DHO managers number +41 79 259 30 70 to opt in.
This is also a preferred method of calling from your UK or other nationality mobile number.
Fresh snow is forecast overnight with 15cm – 30cm expected, clearing skies on Monday and cold temperatures are expected at least until Friday.
Looking good for the WC downhill training and races –
FIS SKI WORLD CUP
| Tuesday January 11, 2022 | ||
| 12.30 noon | Training Downhill | |
| Wednesday January 12, 2022 | ||
| 12.30 noon | Training Downhill | |
| Thursday January 13, 2022 | ||
| 11.40am | Air show Patrouille Suisse | |
| 12.30 noon | Super-G Finish Area and public viewing Girmschbiel is closed, spectators only along race track possible |  |
| Friday January 14, 2022 | ||
| from 9.30am | Catering available at Wengernalp, some places along the race slope in the Finish area | |
| 11.40am | Air show Patrouille Suisse | |
| 12.30 noon | Downhill | |
| 3pm – 10pm | Entertainment & outdoor gastronomy/bar in the World Cup Village Wengen | |
| 7pm | Award Ceremony Downhill | |
| afterwards | Entertainment with DJ in the World Cup Village Wengen | |
| Saturday January 15, 2022 | ||
| from 9.30am | Catering available at Wengernalp, some places along the race slope in the Finish area | |
| 11.40am | Air show Patrouille Suisse | |
| 12.30 noon | Lauberhorn Downhill | |
| 3pm – 22pm | Entertainment & outdoor gastronomy/bar in the World Cup Village Wengen | |
| 7pm | Award Ceremony Lauberhorn Downhill | |
| afterwards | Entertainment with DJ in the World Cup Village Wengen | |
| Sunday January 16, 2022 | ||
| 10.15 am | Lauberhorn Slalom 1st run | |
| 13.30 pm | Lauberhorn Slalom 2nd run | |
| afterwards | Award Ceremony Slalom in the Finish Area |
Subject to change!
