This is probably the most difficult time of year in the Bavarian Forest. The snow is almost always good for skiing and snowboarding until the end of the Easter weekend. But guests are rare at this time of the year – apart from a flurry around Easter weekend. And when you venture down from the mountains, you can see why. Spring is in the air. There are drifts of snowdrops and crocuses. The grass is not only visible but often very bright green. Along one road we travelled yesterday, above the Isar valley, heading for the Danube, we even came across low, green toad fences along the side of the road, making sure that none got run over, directing them to the little tunnels provided for them under the road. And the garden centres add to the problem: racks of spring plants, trees in pots, lots of new pots and gadgets, garden furniture and, of course, the seeds, with their over bright photos of perfect crops. Each trip away from the mountains, seems to involve bringing a little more ‘spring’ back with us – a few more pansies, some particular attractive pots and, of course, some more packs of seeds. 

And as we climb back up into the mountains after our trip down into spring, the snow becomes thicker and even the fresh snow from this last week is looking a little grubby. And when we look at the gardens, the depth of snow is still so great that we wonder how long it will take for snow to melt and the ground to defrost. At least the days are getting longer and the temperature is rising. Even though it is unlikely that we have had the last snow fall of the season! Not surprising that the visitors have decided that skiing is something to plan for next season.