Skiing on piste, Zauchensee, Austria in mid June and other summer madness

A snowHead

After heading out to Austria for a couple of months during the summer with the intention of mountian biking, climbing and fishing I was prepared to while away the time until the coming ski season. However, on cycling up to the Gamskogelhütte I noticed that there was an almost continuous line of snow from just below the top of the red gondola down the World Cup red piste.

So... a cunning plan was hatched. We would drive to the main arena, hike up to the Gamskogel mid station and then tour the rest before skiing back down. The 10th of June was set for the expedition.

Setting out.

Kooky junior looked like a proper tinker loaded up with two pairs of boots.

There were some steep grassy sections following the WC run.

Our piste awaits.

When gaps appear always be sure that you bring your reliable snow monkey.

At the top.

Stunning views of the Dachsteins.

Stunning views of cold beers after creating an improvised snow can cooler.

Which were then swiftly consumed along with lunch.

See Zauchensee, Ski Zauchensee.

Kooky ready for the descent.

The ski down was surprisingly fun on good snow.

It did get a touch thin between the large snowfields but Lawrence's shovel work had not all melted and my one footed skiing drills certainly paid off.

Lawrence was keen to hit the large pond that had formed at the bottem, you could get quite a run at it. I bet he wished he wasn't on skinny touring skis though.

First we tried the shorter crossing.

I had never attempted to waterski before, my fatter Nordica's created quite a bow wave.

Then the full length.

A double crossing. Lawrence was doing spins off the big bump at the end, I was happy to just catch some air.

And today, the 14th of July, the first snows of winter arrived Smile