Take a hat

Back on the white stuff in Austria Hohe Scharte - lovely in the early morning - natural snow And so it starts again. December 2019 and the seven minute walk to the Lift Station. I really enjoy my morning march. I cross the river on a small bridge behind the Apartment and then set a good pace, skipping along between the fields and past the barn. I often see the same people walking their dogs and so give them a merry gruss gott!  I walk behind the football pitch and across the curling lanes before reaching the SchlossAlm valley station. My skis and boots are kept in the InterSport store overnight. This is a bit of a luxury I know but it's hugely beneficial to me. I swap my comfy shoes for heavy boots, pick up my weighty Kastle ski's and head for the escalator. The lift opens at 08:30 but it is worth delaying a few minutes to allow the queue to dissipate and to avoid a crowded cabin. Whisked up to the top, clip up the boots, check the pocket zips. Right ready to go! I've...