Tracked and prepared: start of the season in the Thuringian Forest
The first cross-country ski trails have been prepared and lifts will soon be transporting the first ski enthusiasts of the season: In view of the persistently wintry weather, Thuringia's winter sports resorts are optimistic about the coming months. "We have a lot of snow across the board for this time of year and are therefore hoping for a good season," said Stefan Ebert from the Thuringian Forest Regional Association.
The opening of the first ski lift of the season is planned for Friday at the "Lotto Thüringen Snowpark Oberhof". The official season openings at the other major centers in the Silbersattel ski arena in Steinach and the Winterwelt Schmiedefeld are scheduled for 15 and 16 December.
Some trails already groomed
According to Ebert, at least 45 of a total of 212 cross-country ski trails have already been prepared. Athletes can currently test their endurance on a total of at least 267 kilometers. In the coming season, 1400 cross-country ski trails, 20 lifts and almost 50 toboggan slopes as well as 500 kilometers of winter hiking trails will be available in the Thuringian Forest.
The prerequisite is that the winter weather remains stable, emphasized Ebert. However, winter sports enthusiasts don't seem to have to worry, at least for the upcoming weekend: "It looks good. The weekend will remain wintry, with permafrost at all altitudes," said Florian Engelmann from the German Weather Service (DWD). In the mountains in the south of Thuringia, the snow will not only remain, but there will probably be some more snow. "But don't expect bright sunshine," says Engelmann.
Timber harvesting delays trail preparation
One reason why some cross-country ski trails are not yet prepared is the ongoing timber harvest, said Ebert. "We are still very early in the season and the bark beetle has resulted in a lot of wood that still needs to be harvested from the Thuringian forest." The work would have to wait and see.
With regard to cost developments, Ebert said that ski prices remained relatively stable. However, an increase of ten percent is to be expected in Oberhof and Heubach, for example.
During their leisure time, ski enthusiasts can enjoy the wintry weather while testing their endurance on the already groomed trails. With the upcoming weekend forecasted to remain wintry, they have even more opportunities to take advantage of their leisure time in the Thuringian Forest.
Source: www.dpa.com
