Skiing in Andermatt
Firlefanz heard about an enchanted snow mountain where you can ski on stardust. Together with Papalapapp, he sets off to Andermatt!
Firlefanz woke up and looked out the window. Outside, tiny snowflakes danced through the air, each one sparkling like a little star. "Snow!", shouted Firlefanz and jumped out of bed. "Today is a ski day!"
In the kitchen, Firlefanz made himself a hot chocolate and a buttered bread with honey. While he ate, he thought about the stories of Andermatt. They said there was a mountain there where the snow sparkled like stardust. And those who ski there fly just a little bit.
Firlefanz ran over to Papalapapp. He was sitting at the kitchen table, drinking his morning coffee. "Papalapapp, do you know about the stardust mountain in Andermatt?" Papalapapp set down his cup and smiled. "Of course! You have to travel far, over many mountains and valleys. But the journey is worth it." He got up. "I'll come with you. I haven't been skiing in a long time."
Firlefanz dressed extra warm: the thick wool sweater, the padded boots, the cozy hat with a pom-pom, and the long scarf. Papalapapp packed the skis and put two apples and a bar of chocolate in the backpack. "Mountains make you hungry," he said, winking.
They set off on their journey. Over seven seas, seven deserts, seven tall mountains, seven rivers, seven forests, and seven snowy hills. The further they went, the higher the mountains became. The air grew cool and fresh, and everywhere lay sparkling snow.
Finally, they reached Andermatt. The little village lay snugly between huge mountains, like in a big, white bowl. Warm lights shone in the windows everywhere. "Up there!", said Papalapapp, pointing to a mountain whose peak shimmered silver. "That is the stardust mountain."
A little gondola took them up. They floated over snowy fir trees and frozen streams. Firlefanz pressed his nose against the window. When they arrived at the top, Firlefanz could hardly believe his eyes. The snow really sparkled like a thousand tiny stars!
"Hello, you two!", called a friendly voice. In front of them stood Kristallina, a snow hare with fur as white as fresh snow and eyes that sparkled like ice crystals. "I will teach you how to ski on stardust," she said, handing them sparkling skis. "These skis are special: they float just a little above the snow."
Firlefanz strapped on the skis and carefully pushed himself down the slope. And indeed — it felt like flying! The stardust snow carried him gently, and sparkling sparks flew from under his skis. "Wheee!", shouted Firlefanz and made a big turn. Papalapapp skied alongside him and laughed. "Like on clouds!"
After many runs, they sat on a bench at the summit. Kristallina brought them warm cocoa that smelled of cinnamon and vanilla. From up here, they could see the whole world: snowy mountains as far as the eye could see, and above them a sky that slowly turned orange and pink.
"Come back whenever it snows," said Kristallina, gently nudging Firlefanz with her nose. "The stardust mountain is always waiting for you." Firlefanz hugged the little snow hare. "Definitely!", he said. "That was the best ski day in the world."
On the way home, Firlefanz became very tired. The long day in the fresh mountain air had made him sleepy. Papalapapp carried him on his back. "Thank you, Papalapapp," murmured Firlefanz and yawned. "Tomorrow we will ski again, right?" Papalapapp smiled. "Definitely, little skier. Definitely." And as the moon rose over the mountains, Firlefanz fell asleep, with a smile on his face and a little stardust on his nose.