My skiruns – globeskier

Mount Tennant, Antarctica

Published by Paul on May 3, 2023

In November 2013 I hopped on a so-called ski cruise, a boat full of skiers with the Antarctic peninsula as destination. After a few days of sea sickness I finally arrived at the White continent in order to ski some nice lines. Well, that’s what I was told and therefore what I was expecting. Unfortunately the terrain I got to ski was by far not as interesting as I had been told. Nevertheless, there was a line or two worth mentioning. And the scenery wasn’t too bad either…

South couloir of Geitgallien, Lofoten, Norway

South couloir of Geitgallien, Lofoten, Norway

Published by Paul on April 16, 2016

Most of my favourite skiruns make it to the list because they are steep descents, preferably couloirs. The excitement of skiing a slope where complete focus is needed, is simply something special. However, there are more reasons why a descent can stick to my memory. The Northern part of our planet, above the Arctic circle, offers spectacular scenery to make your turns in. When the sun comes out you can often ski almost all the way to the ocean. Combine that with some excellent allround ski mountaineering and Geitgallien on the Lofoten is the place to be!

Banana couloir, Las Leñas, Argentina

Banana couloir, Las Leñas, Argentina

Published by Paul on September 26, 2015

Las Leñas in Argentina has many options for freeriding, most of them easily accessible by the Marte chairlift. These options include many bowls, chutes and some steep couloirs and can keep you busy for days or even weeks. In case you want to explore a but further there are some fantastic options in the “backyard” with mountains like Cerro Martin, Entre Rios and Torrecillas…

Frankie’s couloir, Las Leñas, Argentina

Frankie’s couloir, Las Leñas, Argentina

Published by Paul on September 24, 2015

Las Leñas in Argentina has possibly the best lift-accessed terrain in the world. Of course, that is, when the famous Marte chairlift is running. Otherwise the terrain is suddenly very limited, especially when you’re looking for steep offpiste lines. Another factor that plays an important role is the volatility in snowfalls in this part of the world. Recent years have been what is referred to as ‘low snow seasons’. Finally 2015 had a decent amount of snow, opening many possibilities…

Couloir E de Brèche Cordier, les Ecrins, France

Couloir E de Brèche Cordier, les Ecrins, France

Published by Paul on May 7, 2014

In December 2012 I started a one year trip that eventually turned into a 17 month trip. After completing my initial goal to ski all seven continents, I made some new goals. Skiing on high altitude was also accomplished, for the moment at least, when descending from the summit of Cotopaxi (5897 m). The only goal left, was to complete a serious steep skiing descent. In Chamonix conditions were not on my side. The Ecrins however, finally delivered. Skiing Couloir E de Brèche Cordier was the ultimate way to finish my trip!

Glacier Rond, Chamonix, France

Glacier Rond, Chamonix, France

Published by Paul on April 29, 2014

After spending a couple of weeks in Chamonix during the spring of 2014 there were rumours about the Glacier Rond being in condition. When a little snowfall was followed by a sunny morning, I had no choice but to go for it. Together with Fredrik Ström, a guy I had met in Gîte Le Belvédère, I took the Aiguille du Midi for another mission.

NE couloir of Pointe d’Orny, Val d’Arpette, Switzerland

NE couloir of Pointe d’Orny, Val d’Arpette, Switzerland

Published by Paul on April 18, 2014

Chamonix and its valley is probably the most visited area for skiing and ski mountaineering. For good reason that is because the terrain is endless and offers a challenge for all abilities. However, a drawback of the popularity are the crowds. A great alternative is offered just around the corner in Switzerland. Behind the ski resort of Champex the Val d’Arpette has plenty of great couloirs to keep you busy for days without having to fight for space.

Canale Staunies Nord, Cristallo, Italy

Canale Staunies Nord, Cristallo, Italy

Published by Paul on March 29, 2014

The Dolomites have some famous ski resorts. Most of them are fancy ski towns, Alta Badia and Cortina d’Ampezzo to name a few. Besides offering a famous ski tour on the slopes, the Sella Ronda, the Dolomites offer many possibilities for backcountry skiing, especially couloirs. The tiny resort of Cristallo, part of Cortina d’Ampezzo, has great access to a number of couloirs. March 28, 2014 I skied canale Staunies Nord, a steep descent with 1500 meters vertical!

Canale Holzer, Passo Pordoi, Italy

Canale Holzer, Passo Pordoi, Italy

Published by Paul on March 27, 2014

After skiing in the backcountry more and more, I created a bucketlist of ski descents. Most of those runs are located in France, where the mountains surrounding la Grave and Chamonix have a lot to offer. However, a few runs are located in different parts of the world. One of the runs ranked very high on my bucketlist was canale Holzer in the Dolomites in Italy. It’s a true couloir with a serious gradient and therefore a great challenge!

Couloir ouest de l’Adad, Atlas mountains, Morocco

Couloir ouest de l’Adad, Atlas mountains, Morocco

Published by Paul on February 12, 2014

Morocco offers several options for skiing. If you’re looking for couloirs however, there is only one place. Refuge Tazaghart is surrounded by many narrow corridors, all pretty easily accessible. Couloir ouest de l’Adad was spotted when climbing couloir Occidental on the opposite side of the valley. It looked simply amazing and had to be skied. February 7, 2014, together with Jurriaan Huisman, I decided to give it a go.

Category: My skiruns