March 30, 2008, Gross Venediger (Ost Tirol)

We decided to start later today after yesterday´s frustration with better conditions in the afternoon.  We seven were the last and the slowest headed up the 1550m to the top.   Perfect weather, cold and little breeze, lots of little black ants far ahead, nice second breakfast at Defregger, slightly more than halfway.

Perfect skinning conditions, no need for ski crampons, ice axe, or harnesses that we had lugged along for insurance.  Joined 50 other friends on the summit in a fairly stiff cold breeze, perfect visibility for 100 miles in all directions.

Then a 5000´ run directly back to the hut, 2-4" powder, 1" butter, and a couple thousand feet of perfect corn followed by the obligatory, celebratory beer(s) back at the hut terrace in the sun while we watched skylike characters descend a 1500´ 40degree gully right in front of the hut.

Then the work began, ski down as quickly as possible through the avi debris previously mentioned, ride with Volki to Sell am See, wait for train to Innsbruck, then commuter train to Wolfi´s place, dinner and sleep at 10.

pics coming.