One more for the books

We took it easy the remainder of our stay in the Samnaun valley after the Lenannes left for Germany. The boys and I took a couple of hours to tobaggan one last time where we happened upon this sweet little church in the woods. Part of the trail was so steep they found it more fun to do what they call “boot skiing.” Watching them careen down 100 meters of steep slope on nothing but ski boots was pretty entertaining. And they were remarkably good at staying upright. Patrick was doing spins and Aeneas went a really long way on one foot, however, I don’t think any of that was planned. They “performed” right by a slopeside bar whose patrons were leaning over the railing to watch as I gritted my teeth hoping they didn’t actually hurt themselves.

We also skied a half day at Galtur which is a ski resort located at the end of the valley on what looked like the Mount Crumpet from “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Their backside took us down to an enormous half frozen lake and we caught the gondola below the dam which was a little creepy. From the top, you could see St. Anton!

Many of the ski areas have what they call Fun Parks which are basically obstacle courses for beginner skiers. Big boxes with jet propulsion sound effects, giant toilet bowls that you ski through and laughing high fives you hit with your ski poles along the way. Galtur however, added a completely different element. The witches house from the famous Hansel and Gretl story that you could ski through. I don’t think any of the kids risked stopping for hot chocolate here!

#skiing #fun #views #church #family