Sometimes, it takes stepping back from normality to properly reset...
My family and I recently took a trip to Austria. We are big on giving experiences as gifts in this household, so this one was accumulated throughout last year for everybody, from everybody. There was something quite magical about a place where snow-capped mountains meet charming villages, and the pace of life slows down, just enough to truly enjoy the little things. The perfect mix of adventure, relaxation and much needed quality time with new experiences, delicious food and simple joys.
Mornings in the mountains have a crispness that wakes you up in the best way. Watching the sunlight glisten on the peaks and peek through the trees whilst mulling over a steaming cup of coffee is something I don't think I could ever get tired of. Freshly baked bread delivered straight to our door, all whilst watching the early morning ski enthusiasts take to the fresh blanketed snow that covered the slopes we overlooked.
Real life Mario Kart...
All bundled up and ready to take on the snow for the day. We had discussed hiring ski equipment for a few days to see how we faired, however, in huge favour of keeping things simple and the idea of having fun rather than spending the day mostly on our behinds, we opted to hire toboggans for the day. Let me tell you this, it was the BEST. DECISION.EVER.
Just a short walk from out lodge, and we were stood at the base of a mountain, its peak not yet visible from where we stood, blocked by misty clouds. No less than 10 minutes later, there we were, legs dangling above the trees being carted to the peak on a ski lift. The view from the top was phenomenal. Small towns nestled in the valleys below us, huge trees reduced to mere foliage decorating the winding paths. I felt as if I were gazing down at one of those Christmas scenes, you know, the ones with the mechanical parts or lit up villages. It was breathtaking.
The summit had a log cabin perched on top, with benches decorating a small patio that overlooks the main slope. Large paned windows decorated its walls, Inside we see large, cosy sofas, bar stools and dining tables dotted around a warm log burner. With our toboggans now in hand, we were pointed in the direction of the start of our run. Now, I don't think any of us anticipated for how quickly we would get off the starting line. The small gradients we call hills back home in the UK just didn't prepare us for what happened next. It felt like we were flying!
We spent the next hour figuring out the best way to navigate the track. Thick with trees either side, the sharp bends disguised until the last moment. Infact, we became rather well acquainted with the ditches. These were deceptively a lot larger than they first seemed, as the snow had camouflaged their true depth as we later found as we tried to army crawl our way back out whilst in fits of giggles sinking further into the snow. Gaz and Evie discovered that this was this was actually quite fun and began intentionally crashing into the snow barricades. Alfie was far more cautious, taking his time to warm up to the twist and turns of the track, but soon figuring out his path.
The cabin at the top was a small family run restaurant, serving locally sourced produce and authentic Austrian food. Steaming beef goulash soup accompanied with freshly baked crusty rolls. It would have been rude not to accompany it with a glass of red and a beer. There was no limits for driving a toboggan, right? Once we had fed our bellies and warmed ourselves through we headed back to the slopes, more confident that we had been in the morning. Maybe it was because we had gotten used to it, or maybe it was the beer but now it felt like we were in a real life game of mario kart. Snowballs flying, intentional sabotage making eachother swerve and occasionally slip on a particularly sketchy corner, usually tumbling off the track back into the snow ditch.
As the sun began to dip behind the mountains, we retreated to our lodge for the evenings, that were allocated to family time. There is something quite nice about all coming together and cooking a meal. Stories of the day, celebrating each others triumphs. As the darkness engulfed bayone the balcony and the snow fell fast, we played cards, getting hustled by Evie, with her insane skills to remember what is everyone's hand - this was far beyond luck!
This is our process:
Quieter explorations...
The rest of our trip we spent exploring. Hiking through the forests, tackling steep inclines, to find an even steeper path to follow over the other side, but the views were spectacular. Gaz and I often commented how the backdrops didn't even feel real. Like someone had put it there for the wow factor, but it was there. Imagine coming out the local supermarket and being greeted by mountains? Or taking a short bus journey and winding up in a valley with sights that make your knees feel weak. Exploring through the towns, sampling the delights from the patisseries as we passed. Alfie's thoroughly enjoyed videoing the places we visited to put together his very own Vlog. In keeping true to himself, he couldn't contain his excitement when he opened his gaming app to find rare and shiny Pokemon for his collection. Truly, it was the icing on the cake for him, so I was told.
After all the planning, organising and getting everyones seemingly impossible schedule's to align, there is something quite satisfying about sitting out on the balcony, glass of wine in hand a your current book just to take a moment to yourself. Reflecting on our recent adventures. Feeling fortunate for the opportunities we have made for our children. Grateful for the time spent together and feeling utterly content.
Its the simple things.
This trip was a reminder that the best trips don't need to be packed with itineraries, but shared experiences and simple joys.
Would we go back? Absolutely!
Ever taken a winter getaway? Does this sound like your idea of fun?
Share your thoughts with me over on Instagram @bertiehammondphotography or pop me and email at bertiehammondphotography@gmail.com.
I would love to hear of any recommendations for our next trip
