The Planning:

Mapping the Route

Every mountain adventure begins with planning, and this one was no exception. For Sabine and Chloé, meticulous preparation was key to making sure everything went smoothly on their ski touring excursion. They started by mapping out their route from Ovronnaz, a quaint resort village in the Valais region, to the high-altitude hut, the Cabane de Fenestral. The roughly 12-kilometer route is filled with terrain that requires experience and precision, especially when weather conditions are unpredictable. Using tools like SwissTopo and White Risk, they could access valuable information about topography and slope gradients, along with up-to-date snow and avalanche reports.

Choosing the Right Gear

SCOTT Wintersports ambassadors are known for their attention to detail when selecting equipment, and this trip was no different. Both Sabine and Chloé used SCOTT’s cutting-edge gear, ensuring that their kit matched the conditions and their experience level.

• Ski Equipment: For this ski tour, both Sabine and Chloé opted for SCOTT’s Explorair 88 skis and skins. These new skis are lightweight and versatile thanks to their modern shape, offering both excellent climbing capability and smooth descents. Whether navigating slushy slopes or tackling technical terrain, they trusted these skis for peak performance.
• Outerwear and Layers: Being prepared for variable conditions is essential in the mountains. Sabine and Chloé wore SCOTT’s Explorair GTX 3L jacket and pants, designed to provide both warmth and breathability in the harsh mountain environment. These pieces are equipped with advanced waterproofing and insulation technologies, perfect for the quick weather changes in the Alps. With the temperature differences still significant and the nights very cold, the new Insuloft Warm Down Jacket, with a fill power of 700, was a welcome addition. Its high compression capacity, thanks to the feather down, makes it a must-have at the bottom of your pack.

The Adventure:

A Journey into the Swiss Alps

The journey from Ovronnaz to the Cabane de Fenestral was an exhilarating mix of nature’s beauty and physical exertion. As Sabine and Chloé ascended, the snow-covered trails glistened in the sunlight, with each turn offering new perspectives on the majestic peaks that surrounded them. Along the way, they navigated avalanche-prone zones and fluctuating weather conditions, always relying on their skills and the gear they brought. Although the route did not present any major difficulties, Sabine's experience enabled her to find the best slopes and adapt to the conditions. The high temperatures meant that there were a few spontaneous sluffs close by on the steepest slopes, and the women were mindful of keeping safety a key priority.
One of the most magical moments came when they reached the summit and the evening sky began to darken. The stars emerged, twinkling like diamonds in the crisp, mountain air. The clear sky over the high-altitude cabin revealed the full splendor of the alpine night, and the two women, both seasoned adventurers, were reminded of the special connection to nature that only the mountains can offer.

Bonding Under the Stars

For Sabine and Chloé, this wasn’t just about the technical aspects of the adventure; it was about the experience of sharing the mountains together. The night under the stars was a chance to reflect, talk about their ski touring adventures, and experience the serenity of the Swiss Alps.

A Playground to Preserve

When the evening settled in, they gazed out at the starry sky, warmed by the glow of the fire inside the cabin. Far from the light pollution of Sion and the valley below, the night sky was alive with constellations, shooting stars, and the awe-inspiring view of the Milky Way stretching across the heavens.
Spending the night in such a pristine landscape was a reminder of how precious our environment is and how important it is to protect it. The mountains being their playground, Sabine and Chloé are all too aware of the drastic changes in climate resulting in retreating glaciers and erratic winters. This homegrown adventure also highlighted once again that you don't always have to go far to find the best conditions!

The Final Word:

The Gear and the Experience

Planning a hut adventure like the one Sabine and Chloé undertook requires careful consideration and the right gear. Whether it's choosing the right skis or packing the right clothing to suit changing conditions, preparation is essential. But beyond the gear, it’s the connection to nature—and each other—that makes these adventures truly special.
For those looking to embark on their own mountain adventure, Sabine and Chloé’s journey offers plenty of inspiration. Whether you’re aiming for a starry night in the Alps or simply want to enjoy the thrill of backcountry skiing, SCOTT Wintersports continues to provide world-class gear that helps skiers and mountaineers push their limits and experience the mountains in all their beauty.