Take a hat

Snow-shoeing in Bad Hofgastein Looking out at the Baerstein After a morning of skiing we opted for the gentle option of snow-shoeing down from the Middle station. The funicular railway rattled its way up from valley through the snow to our starting point. Snow shoes were strapped on and we headed South. With two feet of snow, the conditions were perfect for a big-footed stroll. Of course, we needed to take on some fuel first and where better than the Baerstein Alm, a short walk South from the Middle Station. It's the cosiest place on the mountain and there is no better view on a cold and snowy day than the one from a Baerstein window. The food is great as well! I had the Schweinebraten, a Pork dish and TW had Kaspressknodel, a cheese dumpling. Both good traditional Austrian dishes. This post-Christmas and New Year week is very quiet and there were very few people in the Alm. We chatted with a chap from the Bergrettung (mountain rescue) who was out on his Alpine ski's and

Season 2016 - 2017 - A Sportgastein opener in November It felt a little uncomfortable cycling over to the Bus Station in my ski boots with my ski's and poles held in one hand like a medieval jousting knight. It did not feel at all like the ski season as I pedalled between the fields of green. Fortunately, no unsuspecting dog walkers were speared with my Kastles and I made the station in time for the 08:45. Reassuringly, there was another person at the stop with ski gear. The season really does begin today! We shared the large bus as it headed South on the 45min ride to Sportgastein. We drove in tandem with the regular 550 bus to Bad Gastein. I was pleased to see the very cheerful blind chap who invariably gets on the morning bus near the Bertahof. He is very popular with the Bus Drivers and always gets the seat at the front. He goes to Bad Gastein to play cards and perhaps drink a little beer with his mates. Austrians with impaired sight wear a yellow armband with three black