Doug wrote:
> conditions vary from year to year so if you can, choose your destination as late as possible
Excellent advice.
Bring multiple guidebook (section?) and maps.
. . . (the weight-saving benefits of digital technology).
Even better to have a vehicle so you can choose exact location the night before.
Warning: early season is a very dangerous time for Temperature Gradient style avalanches. At least one person died already so far this year in SE Germany, then two more in North America.
Also hitting buried rocks can damage more than just ski bases -- when it causes tumbling and hitting something else. Or a ski binding fails to release.
Reduce your probability of serious injury or death by also bringing rock-climbing or cycling stuff so you're not tempted to go out skiing in hazardous conditions.
Not clear to me in what sense this trip can be _preparation_ for a 2019 expedition, since of course the muscular and cardio-vascular training will not last until then, and not the altitude acclimatization. And the snowpack and skiing surface and avalanche-assessment requirements are likely very different from mid-winter or spring season.
Danger that at least one member of your party will be so discouraged by this "preparation" experience they will just abandon your expedition.
Ken
Post edited at 14:25