OUTDOOR RECREATION > Ski and snowboard
No season like snow season
G
et your skis and boards waxed, it is time to hit the slopes. If you need practice before the big snowfall (that everyone hopes will happen for Thanksgiving) then give ODR a call.
By Alice Verberne B
Day trippers
What to bring PLACE IN YOUR BACK PACK • Passport, cash for emergencies from country of origin (Swiss Franc or Euros), credit, bank and insurance card. • Cell phone (for emergencies). • Water and nutritious snacks such as nuts, dried fruits and health bars offer quick energy to get you through the last run of the day. • Hand warmers. • Sun block and lip balm.
CLOTHING • Pullovers such as turtlenecks, thermals and light sweaters. • Undergarments made from polypropylene or a similar synthetic fiber. Avoid wearing cotton next to your skin when sweating in cold weather. • Heavy-duty ski parka and lighter fleece jacket. • Hat, goggles, scarf/neck gaiter, gloves/mittens, and earmuffs/headband. • Wool, polypropylene or a similar synthetic fibersocks designed for heat insulation and wicking. • Boots (ski/board and aprés ski) with warm lining • Aprés ski outfit. • Swim wear for the pool or sauna.
Know and go Kaprun has snow all year because of the glacial peak at about 9,000 feet elevation. Be aware that many times the gondola is crowded and you may have to wait to reach the pistes on the mountain from the base. Most of the mountain falls within the beginner-intermediate category and advanced skiiers can find some great off-piste during heavy snowfall. Most ski passes allow access to ski lifts at Kaprun and nearby Zell am Zee (5km away). Zell am See is a larger resort area with more advanced terrain. Off the slopes Kaprun and Zell am See have a good mixture of traditional Austrian restaurants and is famous for its lively nightlife.
Web based snow report www.onthesnow.com or www.snow-forecast.com 22
Get your ski legs ready for the winter season by catching a few Saturday trips to “Angel Mountain” (Engleberg). Dexheim ODR manager Zeljko Stjepanovic says they have planned some great early season one-day trips to the glacier located in Switzerland. The elevation is an impressive 14,000 feet where intermediates can ski and board long narrow runs.
Good timing The best part is that the bus will not depart until after the ski lifts are closed so that you can get the most out of your day around 5 p.m. The bus gets back in Wiesbaden about 11 p.m. so you still have all day Sunday to handle your business and get ready for your week. Check with the ODR to see about deals on ski lift passes as well.
Shut the door and ski If you need more practice, then try indoor Skiing and Snowboarding in Neuss, Germany. Neuss offers a gurantee for excellent man made snow. This is the perfect time to practice a winter sport that you may need more skills in before moving onto the mountain. This climate controlled space offers winter conditions guaranteed 365 days a year. The slope is 300 meters long and 60 meters wide with ideal conditions for all abilities and skill levels. At Neuss, you will experience a perfect day out at a constant temperature of 4° C. Hanau Outdoor Recreation is planning a trip for November 3 and the cost is only $69 for adults and $59 for kids ages 6 through 15. Bus departs from Hanau Outdoor Recreation, building 504 on Wolfgang Kaserne at 6 a.m.
Giving thanks to the mountain Baumholder ODR is gearing up for their annual Thanksgiving trip to the mountain. Werner Graf has the soldier (and family member) in mind when he plans his trip to Kaprun, Austria. He has designed a package deal so that you get the most out of your leave. The bus will depart at
11 p.m., Wednesday (taking advantage of the liberal leave day on Friday) and return Sunday evening. The bus is scheduled to arrive just in time to catch the first groomed run Thursday morning. The trip is designed so that the bus should arrive around 7 a.m. (just in time for breakfast). After check in, you can hit the slopes.
About the resorts Zell am See and Kaprun, Austria Get ready for the annual Austrian adventure to one of the most fun ski resorts in Europe. Kaprun is the place to go if you want to jump and carve the slopes or hit the dance floor. Austria is known for its “gemuglishkeit” (cozy atmosphere) both on and off the slopes. You’ll be able to ski 81 miles over 59 pistes between four mountains; if that is not enough, check out the skier/ snowboarder fun park located on the glacier plateau. Novice skiers will be happy to hear that the learning slopes are located at the top of the glacier (around 9,842 feet) offering a breathtaking panoramic view without the danger of constant steep elevation. When it gets too cold to ski, you will be steps away from the music and “gluhwein” (hot spiced red wine) that is sure to warm your hands and mood. Those who want to try different ski areas may use public transportation to reach other resorts such as Kitzsteinhorn. Just be sure your ski pass covers the area you want to ski (check the back of the ticket before hopping on a public bus). Graf says Zell am See (a resort area located in the Kaprun, Austria valley) is also near enough for easy access for skiing, sight seeing, celebrating and shopping.
CONNECTION magazine > Your free guide to MWR services, sports, entertainment and travel. Now online at www.ArmyGermany.com
Ah, the spa! Don’t forget to pack your swim gear and get ready to relax. If you like to ski, but your partner does not, send them to a relaxing day at the spa. Or join swimmers at the pool and sauna for a relaxing spa experience; perfect for the person with sore muscles from skiing and snowboarding all day. Non-skiiers should ask about the special trip to Bad Hofgastein. Graf can arrange a discount for non-skiiers so that they may use the extra money on what they perfer, such as sight seeing, shopping or being pampered with a massage. Bad Hofgastein has been a popular spa since the 1500s and has been a recreation location for royals and locals alike. Entry is about 20 euros and includes use of swimming pools, steam rooms, sauna and relaxation areas. Massage and solarium usually cost extra. Graf also says that he gives those who have their own equipment complimentary service (waxing and edging) on skis or snowboards since they do not need to rent equipment.
Need gear, rent it here Rental equipment and lessons may be scheduled at any USAG Hessen ODR. Make sure to call each ODR for changes in specific offers before you sign up for their trip. In some cases, equipment, lessons and ski passes may be included in the price. In others, these services may cost extra. Since each ODR offers something slightly different in their packages, it is prudent to give them a call to confirm the program and check for adjustments before signing up. And remember to reserve early to guarantee space on the bus.
Winter in full swing Once ski season is in full swing, many ODRs will be planning day trips to the Black Forest. Both Graf and Stjepanovic say their ODRs have plans underway for day trips after the first of the year. The ODR staff will be keeping an eye on snow conditions, and when the time is right, they will take you there. Wiesbaden’s Black Forest day trips are slotted to leave at 4 a.m. to arrive back at the base around 9 p.m., but you may contact any ODR in your area for ski trip schedules. See list of phone numbers accompanying this article.
e-mail Alice at Alice.Verberne@eur.army.mil
Ski piste map courtsey Kaprun Tourist Information
Outdoor Recreation Centers (ODR) Bamberg......................... 469-8659 Baumholder ................... 485-7182 Brussels .......................... 368-9775 Darmstadt ...................... 348-6277 Dexheim ......................... 334-5818 Hanau ............................. 322-8891 ......................................... 322-6015 Heidelberg ..................... 388-9282 Kaiserslautern................ 489-7751 Katterbach ..................... 467-3225 Livorno ........................... 633-7775 Mannheim ...................... 381-7215 Schinnen ......................... 360-7561 Schweinfurt .................... 353-8080 SHAPE............................ 423-5380 Spangdahlem ................. 452-7170 Stuttgart ........................ 431-2774 Vicenza ........................... 634-7453 Wiesbaden ..................... 337-5760 23