Pia dreamed of getting some German skiing in before we left on our trip. I had checked the weather report and talked to family and the chances were very good: I heard that temperatures were above freezing and that most skiing areas did not have enough snow to allow for skiing. The situation was the same when we arrived.
Just a few days ago things changed and we woke up to snow one morning. The same we called talked to uncle Marcus and he confirmed that there may be a chance to get Pia on the mountains.
On Tuesday 1/15 we left early in the morning and met Marcus at his home in Steinebach/Worthsee. Pia did not bring any skiing equipment, but we managed to get pants from Elke, gloves from the other Tobias, a jacket from Elke/Marcus’ neighbors, etc. All that was left were ski, boots, poles and a helmet, and that was something we would get in Brauneck, our skiing destination.
At 11:15 we had all the rental equipment and the skiers were ready to take off. Pia posed in front of the map showing all the runs and they opted for a 3-hrs ticket:
Moments later they were on the gondola heading for the top of the mountain:
I did not join them but instead took a hike up the mountain to get to the Reiser Alm for lunch. Took about 30 mins and the walk was really nice (see below). At the restaurant, people looked a bit surprised when I took out the laptop and started reading about Hadoop …
My brother took a bunch of photos while they were up on the mountain and the following ones are from him (including the video).
We had gorgeous weather and not only up on the mountain. Given that it was the middle of the week and “normal” people were at work (thanks, uncle/brother Marcus for taking the time off) there was not a lot of traffic on the lifts and Pia/Marcus did not have to wait at all queuing up. They got a lot of skiing done in the 3 hrs.
Apparently the highlight was a helicopter taking off right in front of them (another skiing needed air-lifting). You can see Pia in the video below at the bottom right of the frame:
At 2:30pm we met up again and warmed up with soup and coffee. A bit over an hour later we were back home at Elke/Marcus place and Pia played with Lisa and Tobias before we had dinner there. We left just as it started snowing again.
Pia, it looks like you are having a terrible time. I think you should come home tomorrow. ;o) Just kidding, but we do miss you!
Oh my! This is the cutest photo ever!
OH wow! I can’t wait to read the story! Such a great experience for Pia and to be with her cousins! They are so sweet together!