Seefeld, Austria

This weekend we traveled out to Seefeld Austria for a much needed trip to the mountains (I am not sure what Nick's life will be life, when the normal vacation does not involve mountains!) We hit the road right after kindergarten on Friday.

In typical German fashion, we hit a STAU (30 car pile up) within 40KM of the trip. We tried to navigate around it (but so did everyone else). We arrived at 6 just in time for dinner. Wyland had already beat us there. He took a train from St. Moritz, Switzerland to meet up with us.

We stayed in a cute little apartment in Seefeld. it was the perfect size. Nick and grandpa got to bunk in together (lucky as Grandpa Nick sleeps while in motion!) Chris and I got to bunk in with Shane. Here is the first day on the slopes. Nick 'walked' around in his skis for a bit to get the feel of it. It did not take long before he had some confidence and was ready to head up the mountain with mom.

Of course you have to eat a little snow.

This was a super tiny mountain - perfect for the first timers. We could even pay for each run separately. It was just a little two sided tow rope.

The little blurb is us coming down - the right side is a blip of the tow rope

Yes, Nick's skis aren't on the ground and Yes, my back is getting quite the workout! But no, our skis never crossed. Nick was never short on instruction! He insisted that I 'hold his bellie!' the entire time.

Not a bad view

Here is the cheering stands for those first time skiers. Yes, they opened the bar when they opened the slopes - that is where Chris and Wyland stayed!

Just a quick video of the little skier. We didn't video this - but he was able to go about 10 meters without me. He had his arms out like an airplane - too cute.


Please notice the Michigan helmet!

Shane hanging out at the bar!

Sunday morning Wyland convinced Chris and I to head out on our own. He thought Nick would help! So we purchased 1/2 day tickets (who are we kidding - as if we need a full day!) and hit the slopes.

You would think we positioned our heads just perfect around that mountain! Well done and yes, nice nose ring!

I should submit this photo to a ski magazine - look at that hottie.

on another note - check out the two skiers behind him. You may have to zoom in. But they are skiing UP the mountain. Yes, its a sign of the economic times. Folks purchase a 'tape' that goes on the bottom of their downhill skis. Than they put on their backpack (filled with water and the clothes they are stripping off on the way up). They also have different bindings on their skis that allow them to pop out almost like telemarking. We saw TONS of them.

Of course Chris and I like to consider ourselves ready to tackle just about any physical fitness challenge - we hope to always be able to afford lift tickets!

Again, look at that hottie!

We decided two German beers and being able to ski back down is just the amount of challenge we need right now.

Seriously - that is beautiful!

We came home to Shane sleeping. Nick and Wyland were reading. I don't know what he was hiding - but I don't care! It was a wonderful morning - thanks wyland!

Next - lets find dinner - wait, are they playing music - do they serve beer - gosh, we are like flies to a light! Cannot resist!

Even Nick was swindling the waitress for more chocolate!

The Leadbetter family loving the mountains!