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| On Friday afternoon, around 4:30, 30-40 of us climb aboard a luxury bus after another one of those marathon work weeks. Some are long-time HISC members and some are either new to the club or have never been on a HISC trip before. All are welcomed! The relaxation begins immediately. Usually there's plenty of beer, wine, sodas and munchies to go around. The bus driver also has a stock of beer and soda you can purchase for a couple of marks apiece. We trade lies, tell jokes, solidify old friendships, and start new ones. There are all levels of skiers aboard from first-timers to "Kings of the Hill." By the time we arrive at the hotel we've each gotton a pretty good idea of what we want to do the following day. There's almost always someone along who has skied the mountain, and we've each joined up with a smaller group of people of similar ability. Now, if only we can keep a rein on our excitement and get some sleep! After breakfast, we marvel at the slopes as we pack into one of those huge gondolas and catch some zzzs on the way to the top. Soon we are at the summit, and everyone piles out. We put on our skis, take time to stretch, and then we hit it! The first thing we see is the expanse of terrain from which to choose. The sheer size of most places allows us to ski from town to town and sometimes country to country. Did you remember your passport? We ski very long tree-lined trails as well as wide-open slopes, visit wonderful little restaurants nestled in the woods, take in the view of incredible glaciers and panoramic vistas, and partake in the liquid concoctions of the slope-side, techno music-enhanced schnapps and gluewein stands along the way. Oh, and not to be forgotten, there is usually LOTS OF SUNSHINE to soak up all day long !!! As the day of skiing draws to a close, the mandatory apres-ski activities commence. The slope-side yellow tent bars in Austria are the best. Later, we head back to the hotel to get cleaned up. On Saturday, HISC hosts a pre-dinner cocktail party to help everyone mingle and to provide a captive audience for the war stories of the day. The tall tales continue over dinner, and we plot the night's entertainment. Discos and bars abound. In case you're wondering, HISC its not just about adult skiing and partying. If you have children, check out our trips to St. Viet. They are economical and include ski lessons for all five days. We've been going to Siegi's for 29 years, and there is no better way to learn to ski with others of the same skill level. You can also try rodeling (sledding) or the challenge of curling (ice "horse shoes") in the evening or just relax and watch the folk show. And, the fun doesn't stop after one trip. Come to the biweekly HISC socials and retell all your favorite stories, meet new people, and stake out your seat on the next trip. Let HISC help you meet others in your community and explore the breathtaking beauty and adventure of skiing in the European alps. |
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