January 2007

Finally we have snow in Austria, but as it's just a little in the city, we decided to go the north of Austria where there is much more snow.

We started near the small village of Karlstift,

using our snow shoes again.

We really needed them there,

in average the snow was 30-50cm high.

Later we reached the small lake "Stierhuebelsee", but could not see much of it, as it's surface was already frozen to ice.

On our way back we went through a cute forest with small...

and big trees.

Finally in late afternoon the sun also came out a bit, letting us see some beautiful blue skies.

Days are short in Austria in January, so the sun was going down soon again.

Let's hope for more snow, so that we also can try skiing soon!

We got tired of waiting for the snow to come to our place, so we decided to go to a place where we could find some snow.

We chose to go to mountain Hochkönig, right in the middle of Salzburg province.

Fortunately we did not get disappointed and found plenty of snow there.

Getting dressed at the car.

Beautiful winter landscape.

Nearby our parking place there was also a small skiing area.
However, we did not go skiing this time.

We rather wanted to try walking with our snow shoes!

The houses on this pictures are small pensions and hotels, mainly frequented by skiing tourists from Germany and the Netherlands.

The "Mannlköpfe" are part of the big mountain "Hochkönig".
In summer they are a great playground for rock climbing .

Making my first steps with the unfamiliar snow shoes.

Omg, even though it is quite cold, walking in the snow can make one feel quite hot, so I have to take off some clothes.

Trying to build a small snowman.

Continuing our way up.

Feeling so tired...

...but my honey still feels so fresh.

Some skiers are passing by.

We quickly asked them to take a picture of us.

Finally reaching our target...

...a small hut with restaurant, which is usually very crowded in summer, but not inhabited in winter.

Hmmm, too much snow. Cannot sit down here.

So we had our picnic just on a carpet which we placed on the snow.
BTW the hot tea and hot wine tasted delicious.

Near this hut is a big flat area, which is perfect for what we want to do after the picnic.

First we make a small snowball...

...and let it grow bigger...

...and bigger.

Then make another, smaller one.

And put it on top.

Finally a third one.

Can you already guess what it is?

Add a hat...

...hairs, eyes, nose...

...and give him a big smile.

Now here he is finished: Our snowman!

Posing with our cold friend.

But soon we have to say goodbye to him again, as it is time to go back.

Some more views of the white winter landscapes.

All in all it was very nice to finally experience snow in the European winter!