On the trail of winter in spring

Sometimes life in the Klostertal feels like living between the seasons. Down in the valley, the snow has already melted and spring is slowly arriving, while in the mountains it is still winter. This contrast always fascinates me.

On a day like this, when the first spring flower buds are sprouting in the valley, I like to head up to the Sonnenkopf, strap on my snowshoes, check my safety equipment and set my sights on today's destination: the Muttjöchle. A summit that promises great views.

The ascent begins on a winter hiking trail and is steep at first. But I soon leave the official path. Here, far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, I am alone with the crunching of the snow under my snowshoes. The silence delights me anew every time. The silence is incredibly good for me.

With every step, the view of the surrounding mountains widens - towards the Arlberg, Lechquellengebirge and Verwall. When I finally reach the summit at an altitude of 2,078 meters, I take a deep breath and enjoy being here.

The way back takes me to the Muttjöchle mountain restaurant, where I enjoy a cup of tea on the terrace and reflect on my snowshoe hike.

On the way back to the mountain station, I discover a simple message in the snow: "Thank you". A word that expresses exactly what I feel at this moment - gratitude for this day and the winter on the Sonnenkopf, while spring has already arrived elsewhere.