Stars fade. A faint ridge of black emerges against the dark blue abyss. As breakfast arrives, the details of the alpine become clear, white against warming blue.
The sun's rays pop into sight, just over the snake of red tail lights. The valley's overnight chill valiantly clings to life as the air vents clear the car windscreen. The mountain, once as cold and as dark as the valley, now awakens with the promise of warm and light.
Finally at the peak, the mountain is quiet; no wind wisks or clouds cover. The runs are vacant, except for only the early risers to which there are fortunately few. Horizontal patterns of groomed trails lie underfoot.
