Skiing…Like Riding a Bike

Growing up in the Northeast of the United States I learned to ski at an early age and really looked forward to racing down the slopes each winter.  Sadly for the past 25 or so years, I haven’t put on a pair of skis.  This year, after watching everyone hit the beautiful slopes here on Spitzingsee, I was determined to rekindle that old passion.

Truly I was terrified, but determined.  I set my goal for joining a very patient friend on “ladies day,” which is every Wednesday and is 16€.  I figured I would start on a discounted day just in case my skiing was a complete disaster.  Another wonderful deal is their Happy Hour pass which starts at 14:30 and gives you about 2.5 hours of afternoon fun all for 12€.

On the advice of many locals, I rented all my ski gear from the very friendly Ingo at Ingo’s ski rental which is conveniently located next to the church on Spitzingsee.  A complete ski kit including boots, poles, and carving skis were 25€ a day.  There are many ski rental options on Spitzingsee and even at the Intersport in Schliersee so you have tons of options.  It’s a great way to try a range of ski and boot brands to find your perfect fit.


Once I had all my gear, I will admit to shaking with nerves but also with excitement.  I was not going to live another year here in Schliersee without soaring down the snowy mountain sides.  The slopes at Stümpflingbahn were already bustling with life when I found my parking spot and climbed into my gear.

Found my ski bunny girlfriend and after a bit of what she calls “Dutch courage” (warm alcohol drink), we approached the slope. The modern ski gear these days makes skiing a pure delight.  I had to take a pit stop or two on my way down the mountain to breathlessly take in the spectacular views and wipe away a few joyful tears.

This season I have already skied 4 times and loved it so much that I invested locally in my own ski kit.  Many of the rental places will sell last year’s stock, which is lovingly cared for and gently used.  It really is a great deal.  You can also find great deals at Intersport and Sport Fundgrube.

One of our amazing contributors, Ulrike McCarthy and I met for a Happy Hour ski together.  We basically had the entire slope to ourselves and were the last skiers on the mountain.  The weather, snow conditions and wonderful company all made for a perfect ski experience.  We made a little video of our last run.  It was so cool we were able to ski right to our car.


My advice to others who have been waiting to get back on the slopes is to just do it.  Face your fears.  It honestly is just like riding a bike, your body never forgets.

 

Ski Pass Prices:
http://www.alpenbahnen-spitzingsee.de/fileadmin/user_upload/alpenbahnen-spitzingsee/2016-2017_Spitzingsee__Preisliste-.pdf
http://www.alpenbahnen-spitzingsee.de/en/tickets/specials/

Ski Rentals and Schools:
Ingo’s http://www.skiverleih-spitzingsee.de/index.php?site=preise&lang=en
http://www.alpenbahnen-spitzingsee.de/winter/skischulen-verleih/

Ski Deals:
http://www.intersport-berauer.de

 

 

Laura Boston-Thek

American artist, photographer and professional wanderer who, after 20 years of roaming, put down roots in a 100 year old Bavarian farmhouse and fell in love with the Alpine village and its residents (both 2-legged and 4-legged).