As winter begins to grip the Western Hemisphere, individuals begin to look to winter sports and recreation activities. Approximately 200 million people worldwide (Hardy, K., n.d.) choose skiing as this activity, either for pleasure or sport (and sometimes both). One of the best places in the world to enjoy skiing and other unique winter sports is Oberstdorf located in Bavaria, Germany.
Oberstdorf is a skiers paradise with over 48km of downhill runs and 76km of prepared cross country tracks for cross country skiing.
Oberstdorf Ski Facts
 | Intermediate Skiers | |
 | Beginners | |
| Snowboarding | |
| Snow | |
 | Apres-Ski | |
| 3 | Black Pistes (4km) | |
| 21 | Red Pistes (30km) | |
| 14 | Blue Pistes (10km) | |
| 44km | Downhill Pistes | |
|---|---|---|
| 70km | Cross Country Pistes | |
| 26 | Ski Lifts | |
| 1400m | Max Vertical | |
| 2220m | Highest Lift | |
| 830m | Lowest Piste | |
| 820m | Resort Altitude | |
It also is where the "4 hills ski jumping" (www.skigermany.com) venue is held, has 5 toboggan runs, and has the longest downhill slope in Germany. However, what makes it truly unique is a geographical oddity. You essentially get to ski in two countries from one point. "The Kleinwalsertal is a part of Austria that can only be reached by Germany." (www.skigermany.com) This particular run (one of 3 main areas) heads from a high bowl on the German side over into an Austrian valley. So although part of the run is in Austria, it is considered part of Germany's Bavaria mountains allowing two resorts without a passport, or extra traveling.
Piste Map for Oberstdorf
Oberstdorf is more than just an excellent place to ski, it is also offers a steep sided half pipe for snowboarders, equipment rental for all your needs (ski's, snowboards, boots, etc.), ski school's for the beginner, snowboarders, freestyle and carving instruction, and that is just the tip of the iceberg. They also offer a wide range of alternate activities including ice skating (in an ice stadium or on the frozen lakes), and even the NTC park at the Seeaple station. This park includes snow tubing, ski fox, and snow cycling for those beginners who need a break, non skiers, and the accident prone (like me) that need to give our bodies a break.
Of course, to truly be able to take advantage of all that Oberstdorf has to offer, you will need a place to stay. Not a problem, as they offer over 20 hotel, ski chalet's, and apartment rentals to choose from offering anything and everything you may desire. For example, you could stay at the Hotel Alpenhof which is an Alpine-style hotel offering "rooms feature a cherry-wood interior and free Internet access and all have a balcony or terrace.A buffet breakfast is provided each morning at Hotel Alpenhof," or if you want to be closer to the action, check out Hotel Fuggerhof that has "access to both cross-country ski tracks and the slopes right on their doorstep." (www.j2ski.com) From luxury accommodations to family friendly hotels, a place to stay is the least of your worries.
Hotel Alpenhof Hotel Fuggerhof
Being a military brat I had the opportunity to move every two years (not something I always appreciated), and have had the opportunity to ski in Colorado (Copper Mountain), California (Squaw Valley), and other locations in Germany (Obermmergau), but Oberstdorf always stood out to me. The idea of skiing in two countries at once tickled my fantasy then and now. The kindergarten program allowed my younger brothers to learn to ski, and allowed the more experienced members to hit the slopes.
So as winter begins its long grip and individuals and families alike prepare to enjoy the unique recreational activities offered, I encourage you to check out Oberstdorf. It not only is considered one of Germany's most popular ski resorts, offers abundant activities, a cute German village with plenty of Bavaria's friendly hospitality, but you can experience the truly unique experience of skiing in two different countries at the same resort. I know that I will be returning not just to relive old memories, but to make new ones. I hope you will join me!
References:
Hardy, F., n.d. Ski Safety Alert: 12 Important Factors to Consider. Retrieved from http://welove2ski.com/ski-safety on November 13, 2012.
Oberstdorf information. Retrieved from http://www.skigermany.com/skiing/oberstdorf/oberstdorf.php on November 13, 2012.
Oberstdorf ski facts and hotel information. Retrieved from http://www.j2ski.com/ski_resorts/Germany/Oberstdorf.html on November 17, 2012.
Pictures of Oberstdorf. Retrieved from http://www.bergfes.com/nebelhorn-oberstdorf/bilder/ on November 17, 2012.
No comments:
Post a Comment