DAVOS - The Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research warned of a short spike in danger after a mid-April dump on top of a warming crust. Several high routes in Graubuenden and Valais closed for a weekend. Helicopter crews flew fewer pleasure trips and more precautionary ones.
Ski areas at altitude tried to keep marked pistes open. Off-piste marketing went quiet, which is as close as a resort comes to humility.
A longer season, not a safer one
Climate shift has stretched shoulder seasons. It has not repealed gravity. Guides said clients now arrive in April expecting May conditions and find March snow instead.