Bad Hofgastein in December - warming up for the season

Skiing above the clouds in the warm December sun.  
The village of Bad Hofgastein down below is in cloud
Heading down on the Blue run H3 to the Middle Station
Wild and windy at the top of H2
A warm wind from the South disturbed the snow at the top and made the cable car swing. The Fohn wind is not a welcome visitor to the valley. People tend to get a bit cranky.

Skiing down to the Hamburger Alm
No crowds up here on H5. Just some school groups out today along with some Scandinavian exiles from Bad Gastein so that left me plenty of space.
The Aeroplanstadl prepares
Not all the Huts are open yet. The Aeroplanstadl is getting ready. Hopefully they are preparing this winters batch of Apple Strudel!

Winter in the Angertal - 13th December
Looking across Angertal to the Schlossalm

I suppose in December there is risk that there will be no snow. What is certain is that there will be very few people! It was lucky 13th for us today. Visibility was good, snow was sufficient and there were hardly any other skiers. It was simply a case of choosing a route and heading on down. No looking out for speed merchants coming through and no adjustments to avoid traversing slower skiers.
B18 - no people to worry about
Fresh Snow at the top of the chairlift
Gastein Sunday
Early Sunday Morning - empty slopes and fresh corduroy
Way down in the valley its cold and misty
One of the best things about skiing - Getting up in the morning and seeing thick mist in the valley and knowing that when you go up the mountain you'll punch through the gloom into sunshine and clear blue skies. Today was one of those wonderful days.
Beyond the divide the clouds cover Corinthia
On the Schlossalm the piste bashers are parked ready for tonights operations
Advent in Bad Hofgastein - who would like a hot Gluwein?
Horse driven sleighs are taking families on candle lit rides around the Kur Park. Chestnuts are roasting, Gluwein is wafting - must be Advent in Gastein.
The Sunday Evening  streets of Bad Hofgastein
Location: 5630 Bad Hofgastein, Austria

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