Ice Sculptures

How do they do it? 
In just a few hours out of a huge ice cube comes an eagle, a climber, a mountain range.... And the detail is incredible!
We look at the ice sculptures that have been carved in some of Pozza’s little squares with interest and admiration. And we’re waiting for the biggest one to be completed yet, photo to follow.

Christmas!

So Christmas is here! 
There are beautiful lights everywhere and some of the larger living trees have been “dressed up” for the occasion.
Also the beautiful Christmas Tree that stands in the Town Hall Square in Pozza is quite a sight! 
We’re having a much smaller one at home.....
Happy Christmas everybody, from all of us in Pozza!

Sunday skiing with the family

A truly beautiful day for skiing today. Clear sky, sun and excellent snow.
An early start means very few people on the slopes, especially now that the season has not reached the peak (yet).
What a great feeling when you have the piste all to yourself! And the kids love it too!

Festival of St. Nicolo'

It's a really big event here: St Nicolo', Patron Saint of Pozza, personally visited us in the village with some nasty "devils" (called Krampus) following him. He brought gifts of fruit and chocolate to all the children of Pozza, who had gathered in town to celebrate him after having lunch and Mass together. 
The Krampus were really scary and…very smelly too. Also many adults are frightened of them, as they play nasty tricks on anyone they come across!!

Where is that shovel?

What do you see the morning after a heavy snowfall?
People using all kinds of shovels and snow-removing devices!
Shovelling snow, especially if it is light and crisp, can be very enjoyable. You needn’t be in a rush, though.
It’s really something, to look at the heavy machinery clearing the roads.
Up and down, up and down all day, they keep the roads and pavements clear.
We admire the skill of these guys in performing such a tough but essential job!

Skiing season starts

After the October snowfall the weather became milder again so the snow melted at lower altitudes, remaining just on the top peaks. But for a few days now it has been snowing consistently.
There is a good 30-40cm layer of beautiful fluffy white “stuff” covering the whole valley, and more snow is forecast for the days ahead.
This is fantastic news for all the skiers, as the season officially opens this Saturday (4th December).

Autumn sunset

A good 20cm of white beautiful snow covered the valley over the last 24hrs.
Let’s hope it’s a good sign for the skiing season. 
The snow cannons have been started and run especially at night time- you can see the lights on the slopes in the dark, it’s almost romantic...
Here is a shot of “Cima 12” towering over the black piste “Alloch” in Pozza.

Winter is around the corner

We’ve had the first snow of the season in Pozza over the weekend, while the peaks have been white for a couple of weeks on and off already. It’s quite early for Winter yet, but snow is always welcome!
Overnight temperatures are below freezing now so the wood burning stove is going every day. Good work with the logs, just in time!

Preparing for Winter

Winter isn’t far away now. Time to prepare for those cold days and nights.

The locals say that wood logs warm you three times:

when you cut them,
when you stack them and
when you burn them...

The first two are certainly true, no need for the gym any time soon!

Day out Climbing

Having a few days of sun, so why not go climbing?
Going to a place 1hr by car away, 2 walls with various routes grades from 3 to 7.
Initially felt a bit “stiff”, but then had good fun on a 5c.
Shame this is the last climb of the season, as we’re having snow already and it’s getting quite cold.....