Let me write out a clever equation for you. (Snow)^2 + Austrian Alps + Scott = VERY HAPPY SCOTT. Yes, today I was in Austria skiing with my host father and brother. As we drove to Hinter Stoder (Austrian Ski Resort), they asked me what the skiing was like in the States. I explained that the Sierra-Nevada Mountain Range was very close to my heart and that I found the skiing exceptional in the Rockies. They apologized in advance if the skiing was sub-par ... This is hilarious to me because the skiing today was amazing. It was a chilly -10 C on the mountain, but the cold kept the snow crisp and dry. Behind me loomed the Alps as I stepped onto the gondola, and soon thereafter I was in what can only be explained as Big Jim's wet dream. Huge snowflakes of light snow floated from overhead, and light pierced through the clouds. The sight was truly awe-inspiring. I now know why some people have such fervent belief in a god, because after seeing these mountains in what can only be described as a winter twilight, there must be something out there to bless my eyes with this landscape.
We ripped down the World Cup Circuit more times than I can count, and the run must have been 7 or 8 kilometers long. Snow was gliding beneath my board like the crystalline waves of porcelain. The Alps truly delivered today. On piste (on trail), the snow was great. Off piste, the snow was mine, all mine to be cut and shredded by the razor edges of my weapon. But if you thought the snow was good, wait until I tell you about the ski lodges. Try to imagine a cozy cabin, built in the traditional wooden manner with dozens of happy Europeans offering seats to other weary skiers. Beer filled glasses, toasty schnitzel steaming on plates, and people enjoying a stranger's company. This last bit is the piece that surprises me most. People enjoying the company of strangers. I know first hand that this cannot be done in the states. We Americans want our own table. We don't want to talk to other Americans because they are annoying. We would rather shun the scum than have them sit next to us. But not the Europeans. My host brother had a delightful exchange with an Austrian gentleman sitting at the table with us. He also lost two Euros to the man in a bet, but the man gave them back explaining in his thick accent, "The youth needs the money more than I do." What animosity! What character! I can only dream of bringing my family to this place; they must see the kindness and the skiing. DO YOU HEAR ME FAMILY?! OUR NEXT VACATION SHOULD BE TO BAVARIA!! Peace and love.
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