the first run of the season is both terrifying and exhilarating: i am always wondering if i'll remember how to snowboard as i ratchet into my bindings, adjust my goggles and strap on my backpack. as the chair barrels up the mountain - in a blur of snow and high winds, as today - i wonder if snowboarding is really all that, as it is in my dreams all summer long, or if maybe i've outgrown it.
but then board hits snow and after a few tentative turns, i'm back in the groove, my heart caught in my throat and the sensation of flying reminding me again what i love about it so much. there is nothing like riding off-piste in untracked powder on your maiden run of the season.
for lunch i stopped at a little hut on the slopes and, much to the delight of the all-Austrian crowd, ordered the blutwurst. it was delicious: the (blood) wurst was burnt to a crisp on the outside but soft, crumbly and pungent and perfectly matched with the sour sauerkraut, the oven-roasted potatoes with dill, pickles and the tangy senf. and it was the perfect hearty, warming meal to get me back out to the pistes and powder for my first day of the season.
check out the obertauern webcam - maybe you'll catch us zipping by...
1 comment:
It's SO VERY BEAUTIFUL!!
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