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14<br />
15<br />
Madrisa<br />
2,770 m above sea level<br />
8:15 AM, SCHAFBERGBAHN<br />
VALLEY STATION<br />
The group of a maximum six participants<br />
gets to know each other. I check the equipment<br />
before we go up the mountain together.<br />
At the top we continue to the Kristallbahn<br />
for one or two test and observation<br />
runs. This way, I can get an exact idea of<br />
the skiing skills of each individual. Then it’s<br />
down into the valley. There we pull on our<br />
skins and I give tips on walking techniques.<br />
The ascent can begin.<br />
10:20 AM, ST. ANTÖNIER JOCH<br />
We cross the border into the neighbouring<br />
country. The clear view to the Western<br />
Alps and down to St. Antönien almost always<br />
gets a resounding “Ooooh” from the<br />
guests. Time for a break with snacks and<br />
especially drinks. While we stow our skins,<br />
I talk about earlier times, when smugglers<br />
and refugees were still on the move in this<br />
area. What many people don’t know is that<br />
until the 1990s, there were still regular border<br />
controls on both sides.”<br />
11:30 AM, ST. ANTÖNI<strong>EN</strong><br />
With a long descent in open terrain behind<br />
us, the mood is correspondingly relaxed.<br />
Now we continue by post bus or taxi before<br />
we take the famous Rhaetian Railway. Two<br />
train lines are even listed as UNESCO<br />
World Heritage Sites. Crossing the border<br />
comes as a bit of a shock: many participants<br />
hardly understand a word the locals are<br />
saying. By the way, train rides are common<br />
during a day of skiing in Switzerland, but<br />
not in Austria. F
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