Another winter has gone away. It is full spring now, but at higher elevations alpine meadows are fully covered by a thick layer of snow, which is shining under the early afternoon sun; somewhere marked by the traces of courageous skiers. Thawing has just started at 2.000 meters, as small patches of brown terrain are appearing here and there. Ice is covering most of the surface of water ponds, with small openings giving access to fresh, deep blue water.