Cross Country Skiing

It's a real shame, but there is so little snow in this part of Austria
that even the cross country track, called a "Loipe" has to be created
with artificial snow. The snow cannons are working overtime.
For the past number of years, the English skiing competitions were held here
on the "Petzen Mountain". This year the region lost over 800 visitors from
this group alone. Skiing groups and individuals are cancelling their visits
for lack of snow. The skiing lodges, hotels, lift operators are all crying the blues.
Some are struggling at the brink of financial disaster.

I accompanied my friend Hansi to his "Loipe".
He is 60 years of age and skies cross country and down hill
like a youngster less than half his age.

Here he is snow plowing to slow down,
the better to photograph him.
In the background the "Petzen", Bleiburg's "Hausberg"

There is snow in the forecast. Everybody is "keeping their fingers crossed"
or, as they do here: "Halten die Daumen" = "Holding their thumbs".
Let's hope both systems work.