Skiing. Snowboarding.
We left later than expected because our original plans fell through and Gaby, our fearless leader, was forced to do some improvising. When we finally arrived at our home for the next week, we excitedly explored the small building from top to bottom. Perhaps the most exciting discovery was that each bedroom had a small loft tucked into the peak of the roof. Beds were quickly chosen and clothes were unpacked. The cabin buzzed with chatter about the following day. As Luke repeatedly put it, “Guys, we’re going snowboarding tomorrow!”
The next morning we piled into the cars and braved the icy road down the hillside driveway to the cleared roads that would take us to the slopes. After arriving at Postalm (where we would ski for the next two days), we rented our equipment and made our final preparations. A few of us, who already knew how to ski or snowboard took off immediately, while the rest of us learned how to snowboard with David, who we’d brought along as our instructor. Our first lesson included running around our snowboards, pretending to be storks or penguins, and learning how to fall down. Having mastered these arduous tasks, we then began the process of learning how to actually snowboard. Though taking a few tumbles (and actual falls) we learned how to reach the bottom of the hill. Our next lesson was how to reach the bottom of the hill properly. This lesson lasted into the next day, taking us from the bunny slope up to intermediate runs.
On our third day, we were given the choice between shopping and snowboarding. One group went into a local town and enjoyed a nice day with some sightseeing, while the other group traveled to Dachstein West for a more strenuous day that included black slopes. That evening, both groups met at a thermal bath and enjoyed a very relaxing evening. The last day was again spent at Dachstein West. It was on the last day that the only injury (a torn ligament) occurred, sparking an adventure that included an Austrian ambulance, an Austrian hospital, and lots of (almost incomprehensible) Austrian dialect.
All in all, everyone enjoyed the trip immensely and was a little disappointed when the time came to return to Bogi. It was a great week of fun and friendship that we will remember for the rest of our lives.
