Has Spring arrived?

Three days ago, when out walking, we heard a woodpecker. Then again the next day, back at the apartment, it was the same fast drilling and unmistakable sound of a woodpecker.

This morning, two sparrows were chasing each other, looking very lively. I have no idea what they were doing.

The snow in Laax (at 3,500 feet) has melted. The meadows, at this time of year normally serving as a toboggan run, are looking bare, as is the ski run down to Falera (at 4,250 feet) – (see photos). The first butterfly in Switzerland has been spotted (so I am told). All this caused by unseasonally warm 10° weather (50° in old money).

The Swiss snow has, in the meantime, moved to the British Isles. I hear that Scotland has more snow than the rest of Europe. Perhaps Scotland will export it. Scottish ski resorts are enjoying a boom and British motorists are learning the benefits of snow chains and winter tyres.

Perhaps spring is coming early to Switzerland. I am getting my swimming trunks out ready to swim in the lake, and my shorts and T-Shorts are standing ready for some serious hiking.

But then, perhaps not. The grass has not yet started to turn green and the ducks have not returned to the Laax lake. The weather could still make fools of us all. A cold snap, 3 feet of snow overnight and the usual chaos will ensue. Yes, three feet of snow overnight will be noticed even here.

I enjoy spring. So getting more value for my money out of ski pass or seeing the spring flowers and feeding the ducks, I win either way.

(Where do the Laax ducks go for the winter?)

What they teach in Ski School

Tobogganists may go on any run and paths, including those used by skiers and walkers. In addition, there are tracks made specifically for them, but these are optional.

Snowboarders must learn to stop and sit down at any point, preferably sitting side by side at the top of slopes and especially where the ski runs narrow.

Under 10s – Queuing at ski lifts is optional. Parents are allowed to follow.

Beginners and Intermediate skiers must learn to ski as close to others. Do not make use of the width of the ski run. Make friends and be close to people, by overtaking and then falling over directly in front of others.

Expert and Intermediate Skiers may take part in a competition to cross directly in front of a beginner and to get as near to the front of their skis as possible. No points are awarded for crossing over the back of the beginner’s skis.

Expert Skiers must make long turns at high speed, to ensure that a deep rut is left. When this freezes over, an inexperienced skier will fall over, creating laughter for all.

General Information. It is important to be able to recover quickly having caused an accident, in order to ski off. Leaving personal details only creates work between insurance companies, and may delay the first beer of the evening.

I am glad that I have got this lot off my chest. Now I can find something else to complain about.

Winter Fun in Laax

Today we were in Laax again. Minus 15 degrees but not a cloud in the sky. So cold that, at the car wash, the water froze solid on the car. I won't try that again.

No skiing this weekend, just walking at 8,000 feet, enjoying the wonderful views.

On coming back to Laax (at a mere 3,500 feet), we visited the Snow Festival, where the whole village including children, turned out for the Swiss winter equivalent of a summer fete. Lunch just had to be Bratwurst, followed by freshly made doughnuts.

It’s Official

It’s Official. We are the worst skiers on the slopes. Well, if it is not official, then it ought to be. We have spent enough effort making sure that we struggle down all slopes, being overtaken by 3 year olds and generally upsetting the flow of the skiers gracefully and skilfully gliding down the Piste.

However, there are moments, when this is in doubt. I nearly overtook a ski instructor today with two 4 year olds, before they decided to ski off down to the end Station. Occasionally we witness a skier out for the first or second time, when we can enjoy a brief moment of triumph.

There are many consolations. We enjoy being outside. We stop frequently to look at the snow covered mountains. Even on a gloomy day like today, the scenery is spectacular (unless the light is so bad that you don’t know if you are moving or not).

So we will continue to plod up and down, trying not to annoy the snowboarders too much and dreaming of black runs (very difficult) and other ski resorts waiting to be conquered.

Where Have the Ducks Gone?

This afternoon, it was minus 5 degrees outside, and the sun was shining over the lake at Laax. 3 o’clock in the afternoon. There was some left over bread from lunch, so off we went, to walk around the lake and feed the ducks.

Walking over the lake would be more accurate. The ice on the lake is a foot thick. The local Gemeinde (Council) has built an extra ice hockey practice pitch and an ice skating track around the outside.

There is a small ski slope for 2 – 4 year olds. You need to pay attention here or a 3year old on a toboggan may take your legs away, as he attempts to reach the bottom of the slope in one go.

But where are the ducks? Ice on the lake means “No Water”, which means “No Ducks”. What foolish people we are. Even so, where are they? Are they hiding? Have they flown south for the skiing season?

Back to the apartment later with a cup of tea and a jam sandwich with the bread not given to the ducks.