Gurtis

With the desire to squeeze in a few more runs before spring arrives, Isaiah and I crossed the border into Voralberg, Austria, and popped into a little village called Gurtis. We arrived a little before noon, just as the sun began to peer through the clouds. It was so warm that we even contemplated snowboarding in just our thermal tops, but decided against it since our lift passes were attached to our coats (little flimsy paper things with plastic fasteners - definitely not the fancy credit card types you get at big resorts). Not that it would have mattered, as I am sure the lift attendant would have recognized us among the handful of other skiers and snowboarders present that Saturday.

This particular slope is a glorified bunny slope, perfect for when you don't want to be bothered with crowds and need space to practice. Isaiah, F, and R have all given me new tips and suggestions, but I rarely have an opportunity to practice them, as I am usually skidding down steep slopes on my heels trying to catch up with everyone else. At EUR 15 for a day pass or 12 for a half day pass, it's a great alternative to high capacity slopes.



The photo below is a shot I took from "the very top" of the lift. As you can see, the grade of the slope is minimal, so I didn't get too freaked out by my speed to try out what my friends have taught me.


Oh yeah, one more thing: This slope employs a platter lift, which is 100% more comfortable that the T-bar. Yay!


I'm happy to report that each time we hit the slopes I feel more and more comfortable on the board. I feel like I'm starting to get the hang of this sport and a taste of why people love it so much!