Category Archives: Kolbensattel

Instead

Posted on by under Hiking the Alps, Kolbensattel, Uncategorized
Taxi??

While others sneak into holidays at randomly possible destinations, I continue with mountain tours as a remedy against deeper frustration. Instead of first camping escapes or real travels, the incredible winter enables the 10th ski tour of the season.

Conditions are almost perfect, given the fact that we face the second half of April and no artificial snow has been spread over the slopes. The lower part of about 50-100m comes with more brown than white, but the higher the ascent, the more fairy is the trail.

Despite my overwhelming fitness, it takes – once more – about an hour until I reach the Kolbenhütte. Still, I am happy to celebrate the tour with a sip of tea before I rip off the skins from my skis, turn the ski binding a 180° and enjoy the downhill slide.

#skitour Ski Tour
End of April, wonderful Snow

While spring is right around the corner and will be followed by summer, the holiday / travel question will become of more and more importance. But that is another story for another day…

Head in the Clouds: Last Skitour?

Posted on by under Hiking the Alps, Kolbensattel

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.

Not quite meeting my expectations – beautiful nonetheless

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.

From here on downhill

Kolbensattel 2 (Ski tour)

Posted on by under Hiking the Alps, Kolbensattel
hiking the alps
so inviting

The best Covid shopping I did in 2020? Touring skis! Saturday comes again with frosty sun, just right for a common ski tour with friends.

In former times, I used to see friends when going to bars, concerts or theatre. Now I meet the sporty ones during ski or hiking tours.

The Kolbensattel offers perfect conditions and a choice of three uphill routes. Today, we take the most charming one through the forest. In fact, there is not much to tell about today’s outdoor action. The base line is: It’s wonderful; it’s marvellous.

Spring time is right ahead and will lead to a mixture of in- and outdoor sports, combining skateboard and yoga. But that is another story for another day…

420m altit. difference4,5 km75 min. (ascent)harmless

Kolbensattel Skitour

Posted on by under Hiking the Alps, Kolbensattel

Days get blurry and it is hard to tell what distinguished Monday from Tuesday. At least, I know how to create an outstanding Saturday and throw my touring skis into the car.

Softly Uphill

Apart from zoom meetings, online yoga and virtual ukulele sessions, it is fantastic to feel real snow flakes on my face. Who cares about sunny days as long as winterwonderland offers snow-covered forests and cold fingertips?!

Silly Walking Technique

The Kolbensattel offers a levelled ski slope to pros who are willing to pay 15,-€ parking fee. It is a good deal, given the minimized avalanche risk and the joy of winter action. Just like last weekend, I recognize smiling faces and good mood all around me – everybody here is happy to do outdoor sports, and it is done best far away from crowded hotspots.

Pure Winter Feeling

The tour is an easy one and leads up to the Kolbensattelhütte, now closed of course. I remove the skins from my skis, turn the binding a 180° and put on my helmet. Not that a light-blue slope with a handful of people requires full safety equipment, but it is comfortable and warm and looks utterly professional.

When Fixing the Goggles to the Helmet almost Fails

I am thrilled to try out my touring skis in the powder. This is exactly what they are made for! The same is true for me, by the way. Someday I will hop down in un-touched, fresh snow, but as of now, I take whatever the slopes offer.

Downhill Fun
420m altit. difference4,3 km1,5h (ascent)harmless