I take the very first gondola up into the Ischgl ski area. Around me are lift employees getting ready for their working day. I, on the other hand, have my ski helmet tucked under my arm and my skis dangling from the rack beneath the ceiling. Today I'll get to make my tracks in the snow before anyone else. Perfect. Glorious weather is forecast, and there will probably be plenty of skiers making the most of these conditions one last time. After all, it's one of the last chances of the season.
The early bird catches the worm
Or so the saying goes. And today it couldn't be more true. The rising sun lights up the peaks around the Pardatschgrat. The sky is a brilliant blue, without a single cloud in sight. Snow crunches beneath my ski boots. It sounds like the depths of winter, even though it's already late March. Okay, I can't wait for my first run. I bend down and fasten my ski boots. Then my bindings click into place. Ready to go! On my first two runs, I have the slopes all to myself, with all the space I need, and I love the feeling that comes with it. It's the perfect start to a day of skiing.
A cross-border ski area with 236 kilometres of pistes
Before I meet the first of my fellow skiers, I stop again to enjoy the view from the Pardatschgrat. My gaze travels across the expansive Fimbatal to the Palinkopf. Somewhere beyond it, the slopes lead down to Samnaun in Switzerland. A little later, no longer alone but surrounded by other ski enthusiasts, I take in part of the Schmugglerrunde. The ski circuit comes in three versions. The longest is marked in gold and covers more than 35 kilometres, taking you through almost the entire cross-border ski area.
My first time in the snowpark
I don't finish the circuit, though. I have another mission in mind. The snowpark is calling. Anyone who knows me knows I'm not much of a freestyler. Quite the opposite. I avoid obstacles you're supposed to jump over or slide across. But sooner or later you have to find yourself a new challenge. I've been told the "Bagjump" is for beginners. Okay. I take a deep breath in and out. There's an airbag behind the jump looming ahead of me, but I'm still feeling a little uneasy. But now that I'm here…
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Close your eyes and go for it!
I leave my poles at the top, pull my goggles over my eyes and get ready. I count down in my head. Three, two, one… that's it. Here I go. I bend my knees slightly, pick up speed and get pretty fast. Too fast, actually. Should I slow down again? Yes? No? Maybe? Too late. The jump is already right in front of me. I race towards it and straight over the top. Keep my body tight. Then there's no time left to think. My time in the air flies by. Literally. Moments later, I feel the soft surface of the airbag beneath me. I look down at myself. Unhurt. Thank goodness. And that was fun. Again!
A well-earned meal
Once the adrenaline has subsided a little, my stomach starts growling. Getting up early and all that excitement have taken a lot of energy. Time to refuel. On the way here, I announced that I absolutely wanted to check out the new Slopefood restaurant by the Gampenbahn. So off I go. The self-service setup works much like at Mc Donalds and similar places. You order your food at a counter, it's freshly prepared and then ready to take away straight away. It's quick and super easy. But all the dishes come in packaging. I'd prefer plates, glasses and cutlery, especially up here in the mountains.
Soaking up the sun and switching off
Then it's time for the relaxed part of the day. I don't rack up any more kilometres that afternoon. But that's okay. The pleasant temperatures and sunshine make it just as tempting to linger on the mountain. I stretch out my legs, tilt my head back and eagerly soak up the sun's rays. After the long winter, it's time for spring to arrive. And if I can enjoy spring while doing my favourite thing in the snow for as long as possible, that's fine by me.