This year, Corsica received quite a fair amount of snow in February, unlike the Alps. I am joining Patrick for our third ski touring trip to Corsica.
D1: This first day of ski touring in Corsica, we set our sights on Pointe de Cricche but a cloud barrier from the west of the island forces us to plan B: Capu à l’Inzecca. A short approach walk allows us to get over the ridge to put on our touring skis. Through the beautiful Corsican pine forest we progress quickly to reach the long slope that leads to Punta a l’Inzecca. The snow is quite hard but grips well which allows us to progress without crampons. The sun plays with the clouds and the slope takes a while to warm up. We reach the summit and the last few meters are done on foot by an easy climb. A small Corsican picnic with the cold cuts that Manu prepared for us and it’s time to go back down. It’s not quite spring snow but it’s very easy to ski and we quickly link turns in this magnificent landscape.
D2: Heading for the Vizzavona pass and the Punta de l’Oriente. The wind has picked up and the day promises to be sporty. We put on our shoes next to the car and head into the forest which is in a sad state. The last snowfall (1.50m all the same!) has unfortunately broken a lot of trees. As expected, the ridge exposed to the wind is giving us a bit of a hard time but it’s still ok… The clouds catch us 100m from the summit and we don’t linger in the fog. Fortunately visibility becomes good as we approach the canyon which is in very good condition. We even go down to the road through a magnificent beech forest. The Corsican forests are among the most beautiful I know!
D3: Today, we go to the Cinto area with the Capu Fallu via the Woedel corridor. It is very warm and the night did not allow for a super freeze. Despite everything, the approach is done quickly and the few rivers that block our path are easily crossed. At the Cinto lake we turn left to go up the corridor exposed to the north. After a while we have to take off our shoes because the slope is too steep. We continue on foot easily because the track is well made. At the gap, the view of the Niolu is striking. About twenty minutes later we reach the summit. Patrick and I enjoy the magnificent view of the sea and Calvi. The descent is quite steep but the snow on this south face is soft. At the pass we switch to the corridor which is negotiated well despite Patrick’s apprehension. A last skin allows us to reach the track where the car awaits us.
D4: The weather is tricky because the wind is very strong today. On the good advice of my friend Cédric we go to Asco to attempt the relatively short ascent of the Couloir des Italiens which is partly protected from the West wind. The gusts are sometimes painful but we progress slowly towards the summit. We still have to abandon the idea of doing the last few meters because we can’t stand up near the pass. The descent is done quickly and we rush to the bar to celebrate the end of the stay and already plan our next ski touring trip to Corsica.