Early morning. Between the years or perhaps not until February: Everything is blanketed in snow, everything is tinged with blue. The mountain peaks opposite are backlit, bathed in a delicate pink. It is completely silent.
A still life of cold and light. Only your own breath rises, a small white cloud that vanishes as quickly as it appeared. Perhaps the first thin frost crunches under your boots. Maybe it is one of those days when you feel as though the world has been freshly powdered – and you along with it. And then, very quietly, something begins to stir: a bird call from the forest. A hint of steam rises above the Tannerfeld, like a premonition of the sun.
As the sun climbs over the mountain, a new, clear day begins.
A few walkers appear; the snowplow hasn't been by yet, so they take advantage of the pristine morning and the silence, trudging through the snow and leaving their tracks behind. Perhaps they are heading from the Tannerhof to the "Melkstatt," a small trail that runs along the edge of the forest in the valley. They stroll leisurely through the snow as the sun slowly rises over the mountain. They might head straight back or walk through the village. By the time they return, they have soaked up a wonderful morning.
The first eager cross-country skiers glide through the landscape next to the Melkstatt. They likely walked across the Tannerfeld and stepped directly onto the trail. Quietly, unnoticed, without needing to get into a car. Knowing they want to soak up the atmosphere and the peace, wanting to be alone and at one with themselves, nature, the snow, their breath, and their movement.
They set off, initially heading toward Austria, soon deciding whether to turn right into the Klooaschautal valley, up a stream bed, or left into the Nesslertal. Perhaps they will return at sunset and take the other route. The one toward Geitau, through forests and along a stream, enjoying the panorama near the Geitau airfield with views of Aiplspitz and Miesing. Or perhaps in the afternoon, they will join Karin Weilbach, our cross-country instructor, or her team to learn how to glide and skate, mastering the technique and their own skills.
Slowly, the first alpine skiers emerge. Those who don't want to get in a car head over directly from the Tannerhof, casually slinging their skis over their shoulders for a 10-minute walk up the road to the "Schwebelift." A single-chair lift. Truly retro. It’s a slow ride up over Bayrischzell and onto the Sudelfeld. Even if they didn't ski back down, the trip up would have been worth it. The Sudelfeld is a cozy ski area, never overcrowded, with no waiting times. There are lovely huts like the Speckalm, Walleralm, and Schindelberger Alm. And you can ski all the way down from 1,480 to 800 meters back to Bayrischzell.
Those looking for more speed take the ski bus or their car the 3 km from Bayrischzell to the Wendelstein cable car. The skiing there is more challenging. But the Wendelstein requires a certain amount of snow. The sun beats down harder on the Wendelstein, causing the snow to melt faster. This is something ski tourers take advantage of, as the lifts don't operate when there is too little snow or it has melted. They make use of the slopes, hiking up and skiing down.
Ski tourers are out and about at all times of day. Quietly making their ascent, soaking in nature. And then zooming back down, carving down groomed slopes or floating through deep powder. You’ll find them everywhere here—in the Rotwand area from Geitau or Spitzing. They climb the Miesing and the Taubenstein. Or skin up deserted slopes in the evening toward the mountain huts. From Sunday to Wednesday on the Taubenstein and Sudelfeld. Safe ski touring with all the magic of headlamp light.
Ski tourers? Quiet heroes. Early, late – always at one with the snow and the slope.
Many hikers are out and about. They wander through beautiful snow in the peaceful solitude of the winter mountains. Trudging along in hiking boots or snowshoes, they climb the mountains on well-established trails. Families are out with their children. At the Tannerfeld, the little ones can learn to ski, being transported up the hill by a conveyor belt before skiing down the slope in a snowplow with their helmets on. Or the whole family can go snowtubing down the Tannerfeld on a giant tire. Don't forget your helmet! Those who prefer something more classic can simply grab a sled and head down. Nostalgic souls ride in horse-drawn sleighs or go ice skating on nearby lakes like Schliersee or Thiersee. Or they try their hand at Bavarian curling – something completely different.
Soaking up warmth in the comfort of our four walls.
Soon, once chilled to the bone, they’re drawn back inside to the cozy parlor. To the sauna. Really, what more could you need? Or by the fireplace with a warm cup of tea or coffee. Soaking up the heat in the comfort of your own four walls. Perhaps savoring the quiet solitude of a rustic hut. Or the view from a hut tower: how peacefully a blanket rests over everything. Snow covering the world, softening every edge. Feeling calm, peaceful, and warm inside . . .
