Chapter 6, continued Summary

Hans Castorp's second winter is cloudy and gloomy, to the point where an artificial sun-lamp is bought by the management. Frau Salomon returns, this time to a "life sentence." A massive snowstorm fills the valley. Hans is inspired to take up skiing. Settembrini is thrilled, even though this activity is unauthorized, because it's an active pursuit. Hans learns the basics in a few days and is pleased to find how far he can travel. One day he explores a neighboring mountain. When more snow begins to fall, Hans becomes disoriented. When the snow becomes too thick to see through, he takes refuge behind a deserted shepherd's cottage. He is exhausted by now, and the drinks of port from the flask he has brought do not help.

As he slumps behind the cottage, Hans suddenly hallucinates a long vision of a beautiful...