Saturday 9 March 2013

Winter wonderland...


Our first winter here is nearly over and there is a definite feel of spring in the air. Each day we have sun we can see the snow line on the mountains all around us receding. 

But we still have a few more weeks to squeeze in the winter sports that were one of our reasons for choosing our move here to Abruzzo. This season Dougie and I invested in new skis and boots, after a 3 hour fitting session at the sports shop in Sulmona!! Now, we are making sure that we make the most of them!

The Alto Sangro ski resort is 21 miles, just 30 mins drive, main road all the way, and has more than 100km of pistes to choose from. We have been 4 times and are still trying out new runs each time we go.  Personally, I think it rivals any Alpine ski resort I've been to (and I have been lucky enough to visit a fair few!).

The boys have also had their first skiing lesson. Jake loved it and an unexpected 2 days off for the Italian general election meant they had another practice a couple of weeks ago. 

Monday, however, it is school for the boys and the slopes for us...what the heck, the gardening, washing, cleaning, etc. can all wait, but this time next month the snow may not be here. 'Carpe diem' and all that!!

To make the most of the mountains this winter, as well as skiing, we have been sledging, Dougie has taken up snowshoeing, with an overnight exped mid feb to go and sleep in a snow hole in the Maiella (I, however, was quite happy in my nice warm bed, despite the earthquake tremors that night!!)

When we get bogged down with the hassles of life and everything becomes a bit of a strain, I just have to pinch myself, look at the breathtaking scenery that surrounds us and think about how lucky we are to live in this amazing place that has so much to offer. I hope you enjoy the photos!