Four guys, a dog and me
Ski Touring Adamello - Italy
Every year I head out with friends on various adventures in different countries. On these, we explore new, untrodden areas on skis and with tents. Our plan is to travel just a little bit farther each year from our Bavarian home in Chiemgau. The long-term goal is also at some point to undertake a true expedition. To that end, we were out and about last season in a side valley in the Adamello Group in Italy.. Due to the very long approach, this valley is usually deserted and bestowed on us a wonderful expedition-like feel.
After a miserably long approach requiring us to cross rivers and avalanche debris cones, we finally arrived in the last part of the valley. There we found a perfect spot for our base camp. Surrounded by rocks and trees, and far away from any steep slopes, the conditions here make it ideal to setup our tents. Even a creek is directly beside us, saving us from melting snow and providing us with fresh water.
Ski touring planning is half the battle
The next morning the sun was shining with all its power, and off we went toward Adamello. On the way toward the end of the valley, we skied past gigantic boulders. Arriving at the top, we were overwhelmed by a stupendous panorama. Since we unfortunately lacked a lot snow, we tried to make the best of the situation. You don’t always have to ski the steepest slopes to have fun. Sometimes, an awesome team along with some sun and firn snow is plenty. So, we passed the coming days in a more easygoing manner with fantastic spring touring.
On our trip to Adamello, we didn’t have the best ski conditions. Still, we knew that in advance and could thus prepare ourselves for the situation. Detailed, advance planning was an essential part of the success of our trip. We were prepared because we had thought a lot prior about everything from snow conditions and weather, to flora, fauna, nature sanctuaries and touring possibilities. This was done using topographic maps.
Taking the dog on expedition
My husky, Finn, joined our group of four on this adventure. He loves the snow and the mountains, so I thought this tour would be the perfect fit for him. He is super tough and perfectly suited for winter life. Finn has thick fur, so he only sleeps outside - so no extra weight of a sleeping bag for me to carry! However, he needs his food, which is something that I needed to take into consideration when packing and knowing the amount I'm able to carry. Over the course of the trip, Finn only ate dry food. This is the lightest type of food, yet it has the highest nutritional value.
Ski touring in Adamello means for me to be out just with the guys. That has advantages and disadvantages. In my case, I find it most important that you don’t let yourself be all too influenced from them and also listen to your own intuition. Express all of your thoughts immediately and very openly. Take responsibility yourself for tour planning, too, and don’t always rely on the guys. There is a solution for every situation! I am firmly convinced that any woman can accomplish an expedition as long as she has the will and the courage for it.
Four guys, a dog and me
After a few hours of driving, we arrived in Italy and noticed that the spring sun had already been pretty hard at work. There was hardly any snow! Nevertheless, we headed out fully loaded with our equipment for the next few days.