Where to Ski And Snowboard - Nordic ski tunnel to open in Germany

Nordic ski tunnel to open in Germany

28th August 2009, by Chris Gill

Year-round nordic fun ...

Downhill skiers get indoor snow centres, so why not cross-country enthusiasts?

Well, Germany is about to open its first covered Nordic trail - a ski tunnel where year-round training is possible on ‘real’ snow. It isn’t a new concept; there are similar tunnels further north in Scandinavia, where cross-country skiing is very popular. But it is expected to provide a popular recreational and International training venue.The tunnel is almost 2km long and 4m high, and there are some gentle climbs and descents to mimic natural loops too.

Many cross-country athletes rely on various glaciers for their summer training; the Dachstein or La Grande Motte have prepared trails, for example - but at this time of the year those glacier slopes are becoming a little thin in the warmer weather.

The ski tunnel alternative will open in Oberhof on 24 August. One of its first uses is likely to be as a training centre for athletes planning to compete at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Canada.