Ejected from sleep
by the klaxon alarm
I tumble out of bed
fumble with layers of clothes
slumping against the counter
willing the coffee to brew faster
Clamber out the door
We ride in silence
into the approaching dawn
nursing steaming mugs
driving a little faster
to make the milk run
The chalet is bright and full of noise
we stuff feet into plastic boots
file outside
Stand in the biting cold
our breath clinging to red coats
impatiently kicking at the snow
waiting for the lift to turn
Rising with the sun
as it reaches out to touch
the walls of the notch and Mansfield’s nose beyond
First tracks
a moment of silence
before the mountain opens