The Hüttentaxi

Saturday evening (9 days ago) on my return from Venice, I received a phone call from a guy named Andy. He's from Tennessee and is visiting Europe for 3 weeks. His sister married a German and now lives in the region and she gave him my number so we could hang out. I figured it would be fun--and was loaned a car--to show Andy my world.

Ironically, except for one trip to the Bahnhof (train station) I never needed the car because Andy was dying to see the Matterhorn and decided to leave immediately and then come back for more Austria an two weeks. Fortunately for me, when I told the car's owner that Andy had already left he said to enjoy the car anyway as he did not need it until Thursday. Enjoy it I have.

Wednesday I drove about 30 kilometers to a ski resort, Bad Kleinkircheim. It's about time that I started visiting larger ski areas. The town boasts a decent sized ski area and a monster sized Roman Spa. Being a bigger fan of clothes than most (and since my skiing is already paid for) I opted to spend the day enjoying what little bit of soft snow was left before a week of forecasted beautiful blue sky.

Unlike most U.S. ski areas Europe has lodges and restaurants dotting the slopes. While visiting the highest lodge I decided to hike up for some pictures (the peak was probably some 300 vertical feet above me). As I took my skis off to start the hike I saw a snow cat (or snow plow) loading some people into the back, which was modified into an open air taxi. I didn't know how much it would cost but I hopped on up. The driver asked for 2 Euros so I popped a coin out of my pocket in that amount and we were off. I felt lazy, but I decided the other day that I'm going to experience more and a snow cat ride for 3 USD isn't something that I'll do often.

Halfway up to the peak we turned left and began a trek up and down some fairly steep stuff. It is funny because the taxi seating is benches in an enclosed area, and all of us passengers were sliding back and forth into each other as the cat switched up and down hills. We turned down a final area and stopped at a little restaurant, that's when I realized that the snow cat was owned by the restaurant. I snapped a few pictures and went inside for a soda. I needed something to drink anyways.

About half an hour later the big taxi returned and ferried us across the snow back up to our skis. I kind of wish I had been hungry so I could have tasted whether or not it's ever worth returning there. Either way, it was fun, and quite a memorable ride.
This Friday is my friend Mike Greenhoe's birthday and he's training to Austria from Germany, where he is invovled in missions. His weekend stay should be a continuation of many good times that started when I lived in Germany. The picture above is just before his birthday 3 years ago. Alles gute!