Another Kaunertal opening

Kaunertal glacier holds a cool opening weekend every year in October. This time the temperatures were sky rocketing but at least it was sunny. Due to summer like temps, there is no natural snow around the mountains outside the glacier.

The glacier itself really looks like it's melting away in the heat.

With some kind of magic Kaunertal resort has managed to open slopes half way to the bottom lift station. They must have stored a lot of snow from last winter. Amazing feat but this landscape feels like a desert, and there were quite a few rocks hidden in the snow.

With temps at +12C in 3000 meters, it becomes really obvious how the ski resorts is keeping the snow on the piste: with machines and plastic covers over the summer months. It's not a pretty sight.

But Kaunertal opening is mostly about sunny weather and park skiing/boarding with some side program, competitions, equipment testing, partying etc. The weather was on our side!

The Kaunertal park lineup. This is a long jib course! The snow and basic form was for sure planned already early last winter and stored over the summer. So many rails and kickers in one run!

Another amazing thing was the artificial lake which always has been an ugly sight, was now full of water for the first time that I know of.

Winter, where are you! The mountains need cold temperatures and natural snow!

-Mikko