Messages posted by : Dave Mac
This is together with the laying of underground pipes, a process that was delayed for a significant period by strict local planning laws. The Wildschönau people are very protective of the natural habitat. This is one of the main reasons for restricting the growth of the number of pistes in the wooded areas of Niederau and Oberau. Wildschönau means "Wild and Beautiful" The upside is the retention of cliffs, gorges and forests, and many other natural features. This is a choice; many other areas have chosen to develop their areas to increase the number of pistes km. The last major change of landscape was shortly after my friend was killed on the Merchenwiess gorge, in December 1970. Subsequently, the gorge was filled in, waterfall culverted, an fairly dangerous transition was converted to a pleasant meadow. A generation on, I continue to look after the grave of my friend in Niederau churchyard, and few people know or remember the original gorge. There will always be the odd person that mocks, that cannot see true beauty. Such people are shallow, attracted only to glitz. People will pass. Mountains will be here forever. |
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This is one time when I might leave the lift pass purchase until you get there, although I have to say I would be 99% certain to buy the area pass. If you can see a window of several days bad mountain weather, then maybe go a bit cannily, as the link to Switzerland can be closed for several days. Assuming this is not the case, if you did not ski the Zermatt side, you would be missing out on the best mountain view in skiing.
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If you are going for 6 days, buy either from your rep, (normally on the transfer bus), or at the lift office. Buying from the rep usually means that your pass will be delivered to your hotel, and you avoid lift office queues.
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Slight misquote Ian, I think I said I could ski the main runs in that sort of time....given that those are the runs that occasional tourists get to ski. The resort is different. I'm still discovering the resort.... |
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Bandit, I do not entertain that idea. Although my OH started skiing a few years after me, she is almost as experienced, and much more sensible ~ why don't we apportion blame to her? :wink: As it happens, we were stood on the side of the piste, I was looking down the route and mentally planning around 40/50 turns, and then just took off. At that time, I genuinely believed that the others would just continue on the piste run, and we would catch up. I cannot be held responsible for skiing with irresponsible people. Snowcrazy, thank you for your expertise and strong interest. |
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Thank you Gary, I will try. ) Oh, and Brooksy, re your query to Bandit, I know this was somewhat tongue in cheek, but I think you will find that while a few of us do our best to stay within the requirements of our insurance, we would rather sensibly ski where want, and if it all goes wrong, we will deal with it. There are some interesting off piste runs around Niederau, including, for instance, the Katzenberg. This takes you from the top of the Marbachjoch to Oberau. It is as pleasant a run as you will get, reminiscent of the Klosters to Davos Standart abfahrt. Insurance? errm.. well we are talking helicopter.... |
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Non-skiers can buy an up and down ticket, or a half day ticket.
Top of the lift: 1) Turn right, 150m, is an old Jochalm, locally known as "Rudis". Rudi is beyond living memory. Very old, with character, often smoky. 2) Turn right 50m, right again, the Panorama, modern, little character. 3) Turn left, 50m, sit outside a tent-like thing. 4) Turn left, 100m, left steep downhill 20m, use sticks, the Rubezahl, old, open fireplace, greta character. 5) In good weather, turn left walk 1/2 mile, the Kropfraderjoch Alm. Self service, sit inside, or outside and look across the Kitzbüheleralpen. Fabulous views. |
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We booked prior to the pre-season deadline and paid 520 Euros. |
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