Holidays from the perspective of a regular guest in times of Covid-19

Autumn merges seamlessly with winter. At Rettenbach Glacier, where the stars of the Alpine ski racing scene will celebrate the World Cup Season Opening on 17 and 18 October, holidaymakers who are not so fast are allowed to wedel down the glacier slopes afterwards. Or at the same time as the top athletes on Sölden's second glacier which lies just behind it - Tiefenbach Glacier. Definitely in the eternal snow that is never too hard and never too slushy, but rather soft as butter - ideal for all skill levels. Yes, it's different this time. But it's still Ötztal. With all its great challenges, its people, its memorable experiences.

Snapshot. Cinema at its most. Steam rises into the clear September sky from the three outdoor bowls of the Aqua Dome. The mountain tops of the Ötztal Alps seem close enough to touch. I ask the pool attendant about health regulations. "In the past, 1500 guests were allowed to stay at the Aqua Dome at the same time, now there are only 750 who also have to register online,” he explains. "The number of people in the pools and bowls is also limited, my colleagues and I pay close attention to it." In any case, temperatures of all guests are taken in the hotel and in the thermal baths without any exception.

"People enjoy activities in nature," confirm Christiane and Myriam Riml from the sports shop of the same name in Sölden. "However," the two sisters state, "guests take a closer look at the prices." Therefore, no price increase for ski equipment is planned for the coming winter. Because even if the travel warning in Germany is extended to the next few months, winter sports enthusiasts from Austria and other countries will appreciate the relaxed and uncrowded conditions on the slopes and cross-country ski trails.

The photo motifs are truly unbeatable: sheep, cows and Haflinger horses come into the camera's focus in the Mountaineering Village of Vent without any disruptive factors, and if you are lucky, even a huge marmot that has been storing fat for winter. The Trail of Senses in Hochoetz promises contemplative moments. A project by secondary school students from Oetz. Although the sayings on the 19 stations were put up years ago, their meaning seems to have its real justification today. Proverbs like: "Start to marvel, thank and pray again!"

One can also marvel at the surprising parallel universe that opens up in Sölden's Silent Part. The serviced Alpine pasture huts, mountain meadows - on the torrent and in the untouched forests. As a contrast program and with a view of the valley's lively opposite part. Despite or perhaps because of the pandemic, you experience the different moods of the mountains and lakes that change their face every day. Celebrating life with others or alone. Concentrate on yourself from time to time, without any distraction. Let the magic of Ötztal work on you - in a sustainable way. Even if it cannot charm away the problems of everyday life and the worries about Corona that are waiting for us at home.

I preserved the motivation to keep it rolling - in my running shoes and hopefully soon in my mountain and ski boots again. I also took a booking confirmation for my next ski holiday with me. Come what may come!

Birgit Balser