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English Spoken Here…Learning to Ski in Schliersee

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Located directly on the slope at Stumflingenbahn, with it’s very American party atmosphere, Martina Loch’s “Snowcamp” motivates people of all ages to share in her passion for Winter Sport. Her shop has the feeling of walking into a California surf shop with every surface, even the ceiling chock full of memorabilia. You could spend an hour just taking in all the great energy.

I recently discovered the daughter of my landlord is one of Martina’s very stable of 50 professional ski instructors and not only that, she also is a fluent english speaker. She would be the perfect person to help me introduce my readers to what it’s like to take ski lessons here at Spitzingsee skigebiete. It is incredible that in this picturesque ski area, learning to ski in english is absolutely possible.

Victoria Schoeller, my landlords daughter, is the absolute definition of a Bavarian alpine woman, a fantastic combination of strength and beauty. She kindly spent a day with me between her private students lessons and gave me the skinny on how Martina’s lessons work. I found her tips incredibly helpful in improving my knowledge and skills for downhill skiing. From tips on proper adjustment of my gear, to a better stance for greater enjoyment while tearing down the mountain. Having an expert guide you is an absolute treat no matter your skill level.

Martina’s Snowcamp at Spitzingsee has been in business for 32 years and is the heart of the Spitzingsee ski area. With Martina’s vast knowledge of ski and snow sport she has gathered an amazing array of snow sport talent. Their knowledge of the mountain terrain and how to guide and teach various techniques ensures you a quick entry into making the most of your winter vacation. Either for beginner or for those wishing to improve their skills, you can find just the patient expert you need.

Even though I live here, I was astounded by the incredible extent of what Martina’s shop has to offer in the way of lessons.  Besides group, private and family ski courses, they offer courses for Nordic walking, snow shoe excursions, ski touring, snowboarding, split board the list just seems endless. You can arrive without reservations their brochure says. It is always smartest to get to the slopes early and the shop opens at 8 am so you want to get in there and get your name on a list for a class before 9. I honestly can’t see what is stopping you from dropping in and joining the fun.

 

 

For more information check out their webpage:
http://www.snowcamp-martina-loch.de

 

Also drop by their Instagram and Facebook accounts and show them some love:
https://www.facebook.com/Schneeaktivitäten-Martina-Loch-149857991695193/
https://www.instagram.com/schneeaktivitaeten/?hl=en

 

 

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).

 

 

 

The Icy Daredevils of Schliersee

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This is how Wikipedia describes “Skijoring (pronounced /ˈskiːʃɜːrɪŋ/) is a winter sport where a person on skis is pulled by a horse, a dog (or dogs) or a motor vehicle. It is derived from the Norwegian word skikjøring meaning ski driving.”

 

How would I personally describe it? Gritty, loud, bitter, daring, fascinating and utterly unforgettable.

 

When winter is JUST RIGHT here in the valley and we get the perfect amount of snowfall, you will notice one of our local Fischhausen farmers starting to prepare a snowy racetrack in the middle of one of the fields. He might have to prepare this track more than once in a year simply loosing it to warming temperatures but build it repeatedly, he does.

Here is a little excerpt from an article by Sebastian Grauvogl of the Merkur

 

“Just like all the 62 teams who duel in the skijoring behind motorcycles on the 400 meter long snow race track in Fischhausen. It will be launched in seven classes – including 125 and 250 motocross, 500, and side and side drive cars. Up to six teams compete at the same time. If you accumulate the most points in three preliminary stages, you can make it into the final. Already for the 11th time, the MSC is exhibiting the motorsport spectacle on the meadow next to the Pusl Autohaus. Since 1997 it has been canceled a few times because of lack of snow.”

 

I don’t know if I would call the weather we had “perfect” for my first experience with Skijoring in Schliersee, more like “not fit for man nor beast”. Despite the near blizzard conditions, contestants and spectators arrived in droves. Motorcyclists, skiers, pit crews, and spectators all huddled together in anticipation of the day’s races.

 

The bright colors of bikes and riders, the grinding and revving of gears and the smell of exhaust is all so incredible in contrast to the purity of the fresh white snow. My heart was racing the entire time, as I am sure many others were as well. Racing that day were teams of motorcyclists and skiers in teams that started with just two people and lead up to teams of four or five with everyone hanging on for dear life as they sped around the icy track blowing waves of snow in their wake. They offer excitement, chills, and spills. The announcers are also not kidding when they suggest you stand at least one meter from the track. This photographer had to learn that lesson the hard and cold way. I must say, the snow bath was totally worth it!

 

So keep on the look out for the posters and billboards announcing the next skijoring event. It is all up to the weather the date but it is normally around February and it honestly is something to be enjoyed by young and old.

 

This year at Jan, 29. … don’t miss !

 

 

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).