Lofalitsidwa: 30.08.2017
How? There is snow in Australia? I didn't know that. And seriously? You can even go skiing?
-- YES! Even though there is only snow on the bigger mountains, it actually exists. In Victoria, the part of Australia where Melbourne is located, there are only two places or mountains where you can go skiing: Mt Hotham and Mt Buller.
From August 21-28, we were in Hotham for skiing, or rather: the girls and the parents went skiing while I took care of the youngest, which can be a lot of fun as well. On Sunday, I was able to go skiing for a whole 5 hours! I had a really great time on the slopes, even though I was all by myself. The black slopes are the best here, but there were also some great red slopes that were very steep and therefore a lot of fun. The only downside were the costs. The ski pass as well as the rental for skis, ski boots and poles for one day cost as much as a ski pass or rental for a week in Austria. Therefore, you can't do this too often.
A week later, we went on another ski vacation, this time to Mt Buller and only for two days. While everyone except the youngest and me were on the slopes, we went sledding. Going down was great - going up was quite exhausting. Therefore, we were already done after 6 runs and took the bus for fun (what wouldn't you do for little sweet boys who love riding the bus...). The problem was, though, that he fell asleep on the bus and didn't want to get off anymore, but preferred to take his nap on the bus.
Later, I was able to go skiing for 2 more hours, but with ski boots in size 46. Accordingly, the control over the skis was not that good and I was more or less wobbling around. But over time, you get used to it and I was able to tighten them more and more, so that in the end I could master not only blue and red slopes, but also black slopes. And in retrospect, I can say that it was more than worth it, even if the ski boots were too big and I only had 2 hours of time!
The next day, there was no ski school and the whole family went skiing together, while the youngest and I went bus riding again. Then the rest of the family came home and told me that I would now have to continue skiing, because the father has problems with his knee and can't go on, but the mother can't go alone with the two girls. So, I was allowed to go skiing again - and I was super excited and especially surprised how well the two kids could already ski! The 6-year-old even managed to send me over a ramp, so that I consciously jumped for the first time - probably the best part of the day :) Of course, she also jumped (but with ski boots and skis that fit her size haha).
On Saturday (the day after tomorrow), we're going on vacation again, near Mt Hotham. So, I can go skiing again. And a few weeks later, at the end of September, we're going on another ski vacation for a few days! It's a good thing that I like snow and skiing as much as the family ;)