It’s soon time again. For the second year in a row, I’ll be setting off on our annual ski touring weekend with my friends. This year, we’ve decided to go to the Langtaufer Valley in the upper Vinschgau region of South Tyrol, Italy. None of our group has been to this area before, and I am curious to see what the landscape has to offer.
We meet up in Bolzano at 6:15 a.m. to set off. Two hours later, we’ve parked up, ski boots on, have adjusted our poles to the right height and donned our skins. With our avalanche transceivers switched on and our group check completed. In the chilly morning air, it’s time for the adventure to begin. I’m feeling good and am super comfortable in my new red Giada ski touring outfit.
Lisa Rass, LaMunt Crew member
The cold soon dissipates, as the tour starts out with a hefty helping of uphill. The snow is packed hard and icy in places. Two steps forward, one step back. I think it’s going to be tough today. After about an hour we reach the hut, where we are to spend the night. We chat with the hut landlady and are keen to hear any advice she has on the route we’ve chosen. The weather is wonderful! The sky is blue, there are just a few clouds dotted about, and the air is crisp and clear. The weather is set to turn tomorrow, so we decide to do the more demanding, longer ski tour today, with our objective the Falbenairspitze at 3,199 metres.
Leaving the hut behind us, the landscape changes. The tree line is below us and the terrain opens out. On the other side of the valley, I marvel at the Ötztal Alps. I am always amazed at how different and varied mountains can be. It’s not too exhausting yet, so I can still catch my breath enough to chat with my friends.
Having covered almost half of the altitude gain, it’s time for the steeper part of the ascent. The sun has disappeared behind the mountain now, and the slope in front of us is completely in the shade. Before we tackle the ascent, we stop for a drink and an energising snack bar. We’re now ready to tackle the final 700 vertical meters.
The chatter soon fades, our breathing quickens, and our minds are now fully focussed on the mountain. Everyone finds their own rhythm and listens to their body. I love times like these in the mountains. When you’re with people but still alone. We make progress, one step at a time. Just me, the snow, my skis and my breathing. I am keenly aware of my proximity to the peak. The snow has changed. Moving along the tracks, I test the fluffy powder with my poles. Even though the summit cross is not yet in sight, there’s growing anticipation for the descent. Gusts of wind keep hitting me, the cold air whipping my face. Hood up, neck warmer up over the nose, and jacket ventilation zips closed. I can adapt to the conditions and won’t let them stop me. I can feel my body – the strain it’s under and the physical exhaustion – and it gives me satisfaction. My head is free from the stresses of life. My worries evaporate float away in the wind, and my thoughts turn into daydreams. I focus only on the here and now. This is my first Mountain Me-Time of the day. I enjoy the moment despite the effort I’m having to put in. I am in a flow state; step by step, one kick-turn after the next, and suddenly I feel the sun in my face. Fresh emotions surge in me, the summit cross must be in view any minute now.
Another small knoll and there it is, rising it up in front of us. A huge cross made of steel, with a blue orb in its centre. And in behind, snow-covered peaks as far as the eye can see, some towering over 3,000 meters. The view takes our breath away. We celebrate with a high five, all of us overcome with joy and marvelling at the view.
And there it is again, my Mountain Me-Time. This time I share it with my friends. Making it to the summit under your own steam, but still sharing that moment with others – that’s what makes it so special.
The ski down to the hut is fantastic. I have hardly skied any powder this year, so it is even more exciting and special to enjoy it today. One turn, two turns, three turns. I have left the climb behind me and look up at it with the satisfaction of someone who has put lots of effort into climbing it and been rewarded with a sense of achievement.
Back at the hut, we toast our successful ski tour, and conclude the day in great company, fully content, and in anticipation of the following day, when another ski tour is on the cards.
The weather on the second day is poor. It’s cloudy, windy, and it is supposed to start snowing around noon. So, we opt for a shorter route. We get up to a col and proceed on foot, without our skis, along the summit ridge. But the weather has deteriorated further, so we settle for seeing the summit cross from a distance this time. In the mountains, you have to respect them and know where your limits are.
Arriving back at the car, I look around and see only smiling, happy faces. I’m lucky enough to have experienced yet another unforgettable adventure, and mountain sports have proven wonderfully rewarding once again.
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