FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX: Ski Safari Day 3

Rifugio Fuciade's breakfast was fantastic and included an omelette station! Luca always had his eye on mountain conditions and we set off to make the most of the good weather in the morning. By lunchtime, the wind had picked up and visibility dropped. This continued to worsen throughout the afternoon. We just made it to the last rifugio which was right at the top of the mountain after going on an older chairlift (seats 2, tight, and doesn't slow down at the pick up or drop off point! It was a long, cold ride and we couldn't really see where we going! Upon arrival at the top, they closed the lift shortly after. By this time it was just before 4pm. The lifts were meant to stay open until 4:30pm. Luca mentioned that the lifts will shut automatically once the winds hit a certain speed. Another group also at Rifugio Fuciade the evening before, didn't make it here on skis. They had an unofficial guide (technically illegal) bringing "friends" to the area. Luca stated that their plans had been overly ambitious. Fortunately for them, the owner kindly offered to pick them up with the ski-mobile from down the mountain.

Rifugio Averau was more "basic" but no less comfortable. The food was still excellent. The rifugio was picked strategically for our route. From here we were able to ski all the way back with lifts and sloped back to our starting point. The Manuela organised our itinerary and rifugios book out early if you want private rooms.

For me personally, I was so relieved to make it to the last rifugio! Ill fitting boots had given me shin haematomas on my right shin which meant painful skiing.