Ski season has started in Dorfgastein December 2009

Dorfgastein 2009
TW - all wrapped up

Put skis to snow today, the 10th December 2009, for the first time this winter. Dorfgastein was the scene of the shaky first run. I always worry that, over the summer, I have regressed to beginner status. Its easy to fall back, literally, into the old habit of watching the ski's rather than just letting them run.
Not all the runs are open today but the hordes have not arrived yet so quality makes up for quantity. No snow-boarders to dodge and definitely no queues to take a break in. Have never really considered pre-christmas skiing before. If you are short of holidays the snow conditions are a bit of a risk. The lift pass for a week's holiday is so expensive its important to get on the slopes every day. If you have a ski pass for the season and ample time it does make a lot of sense to come out early.
Advantages:-
Pistes are empty
Plenty of elbow room in the huts at lunchtime.
No queues for the lifts
Everything seems very fresh, there is a real sense of winter advancing and the snowline creeping down the mountainside.
Avoiding the commercial Christmas at home
Christmas Markets and Advent events to go to.

On the downside:-
Not all the ski buses are running yet.
Not all the ski lifts are running.
Snow coverage is a bit thin in places and not all the runs are open.
Miss some pre-Xmas lunches

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