RobBob Posted March 5, 2003 Posted March 5, 2003 Well, I had hoped to get in a day of scrambling and snow-slogging up one of the tempting peaks in the Vorarlberg, but the opportunity just didn’t present itself. Plenty of good downhill runs and a steady haze of pilsners and rotwein made it an enjoyable week, but I just don’t think the Austrians think of winter as a good time to climb. It’s just ski, ski, ski, and any climbing (of the low-skill type I like) is done in order to make a good ski or snowboard descent. Maps and literature attest to the popularity of summer climbing throughout the area, but ask somebody about it in winter and they look at you funny. I did make an attempt to leave the pistes and ski routes. When I spotted a couple of backcountry snowboarders, I inquired about where I could rustle up possibly a guide and basic rental equipment. They sent me on a search for Pete’s telemark shop, which I eventually found. Once I had explained what I was looking for, a cellphone was dialed and I found myself talking to a mysterious character named Werner. When I told him what I was interested in, he said no, pulling the gear together for such a short deal would just end up costing me too much. “However,” he croaked, “if you would like to climb a peak early tomorrow with me, four Swedes, and a guy from Bavaria, and make a super ski descent, you are welcome to come.” Reflecting on a couple of harrowing skiing (and drinking) incidents I’d had with Swedes in the past, I politely declined. A couple of days later I worked my way up to a ridge which, if crossed, led to hinterlaenden and plenty of ski adventure. I watched as a lone man scrambled, with skiis on his back, along the rocky edge toward his obvious descent col into the backcountry. Tempting, but without guide or buddy, beacon and other gear, (not to mention wife and two kids expecting me to be back that night) it was not something I was going to do this time. Instead I turned my attention back to the breathtaking alpine view that lay before me, and skiied down toward the gemutlichheit of the town below. Quote
To_The_Top Posted March 5, 2003 Posted March 5, 2003 Reflecting on a couple of harrowing skiing (and drinking) incidents had with Swedes in the past, I politely declined. Hey drinking, climbing and skiing with Swedes it alot of fun! TTT Quote
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