Although only a 10 kilometre hike, we knew today would be a long day, partly because we knew there was a 900 metre ascent, but also because Lesley told us to pack double lunch! Almi’s took us by minibus down the valley… our group first, then Sean’s. After putting our snowshoes on, we set off... Continue Reading →

It’s been a wonderful day. Both the hike and the weather have been perfect, and there have been no dramas, although I did spend much of the day bringing up the rear. Sorry to those who enjoy reading about my tantrums… there weren’t any! 😜 We caught the bus up the valley from the hotel... Continue Reading →

The weather was a bit cold and wintery this morning, and the planned hike was a short leisurely one, which gave me the perfect excuse for a rest day. After John had left, I had an enjoyable morning doing exactly what I fancied, lazing around in Almi's Hotel. I started by writing yesterday’s blog, then... Continue Reading →

Our next snowshoe hike was to be the most challenging yet, especially for me. After getting up, having breakfast and making our lunches, we packed our bags ready for the transfer to Obernberg am Brenner later. Outside, we sorted our kit then set off down the road from Maria Waldrast Abbey (1641 metres), our snowshoes... Continue Reading →

We started the day with a fantastic buffet breakfast, with lots to choose from, and made our pack lunches ready for the day ahead. Then we met up to learn how to wear and activate the avalanche transceivers that we’d hired, and to check everyone had the kit needed for snowshoe hiking. We put our... Continue Reading →

Today we packed our kit, tidied up, had breakfast and headed back to Innsbruck Airport to hand the hire car back. Then we took the bus back to Innsbruck Station where I waited with our bags while John collected our avalanche kit from the rental shop. After eating lunch in a cafe, we made our... Continue Reading →

We had the mountains to ourselves today, which was wonderful. The only sounds were the snow crunching below our snowshoes, planes flying overhead, and the occasional birdsong. The sun was shining, the snow was glistening, and the mountains were towering above us, looking awesome... perfect! We left the car park above Navis (1529 metres) and... Continue Reading →

The primary purpose of this trip is snowshoeing, an outdoor activity that I love because, unlike skiing, mountain biking and white water kayaking, it's a sport that doesn't scare me! Hiking up hills and through forests, away from the noisy pistes full of skiers and snowboarders is wonderful. I love the peace and solitude, and... Continue Reading →

For the next couple of weeks we’re spending time in the mountains, snowshoeing in Austria. The snow has begun to fall, and signs are looking positive for some great adventures. The trip didn’t get off to a great start. Firstly, we arrived at Manchester Airport and John couldn’t find his wallet and we assumed it... Continue Reading →