The first part I have to walk due to the conditions
![Image](https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/1001426_559112164125623_1390816418_n.jpg)
There is a fresh hole in the middle of the ridge
![Image](https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/560831_559112084125631_2090247206_n.jpg)
Skis on and the conditions and best bed described as awful
![Image](https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1170727_559112190792287_491254469_n.jpg)
After a short stint on foot to check it was actually slower to walk it's back to more awful skiing
![Image](https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1233968_559112177458955_409491598_n.jpg)
Uphill and they work surprisingly well just going straight along the normal track - wall to wall skins and skinny skis do grip rather well.
At this point I'm very glad I'm on skis not foot, any reduction in how much force I put on the ground is helpful when crossing such doggy snow bridges
![Image](https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1098153_559112097458963_296772232_n.jpg)
When I finally make it up to Punta Helbronner, there is no problem with the skis, or the test - they are faster, quite a lot faster up and down than walking on crampons. It's the tourists, they are out literally a mile form the lift station in trainers and t shirts, even walking the dog. They completely ignore warnings form me and various mountain guides that we are out on a glacier full of Crevasses. Note to my left there is a guide teaching Crevasse rescue
![Image](https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/545205_559112207458952_343003199_n.jpg)
A bigger stiffer plank would make the skiing easier but would be slower and more cumbersome uphill.
A little video of the morning
As far as this test goes they work. They are too heavy - 1000 grams, but a change in some of the materials should get that down to 700 - 750
They could do with being slightly rockerd and softer in the tip (not applicable today)