Despite the wonderful winter, global warming takes it’s told and dissolves the white layers on most of the hills around. Still, the slopes in some ski areas offer good conditions, and so I start once more for the Kolbensattel ski tour.

The higher I get, the denser is the cloud around my head. I think of the endless possibilities offered by the logics of quantum electrodynamics, and from all options I choose my favourite scenario: Arriving at the Kolbensattelhütte, there will be deckchairs with woollen blankets and a bar will offer hot caipirinha for 1,-€ per glass. The air will glisten with frozen fog while the sun breaks through the clouds and enfolds a wonderful Alp panorama. Entirely motivated, I continue uphill in recordsetting pace, reaching the chalet after 65 minutes.

Even when fantasies refuse to come true, it is easy to have a good time: I am surrounded by snowy mountains, greeted by other hard-boiled outdoor freaks and look forward to the muscle soreness that will increase the feeling of gravity later on my couch.