Snowboarder and skier at the Feldberg ski resort in the Black Forest of Germany. (X.J.frames - stock.adobe.com)
“I was born in January, in the deepest winter snow of North Carolina. Right! Where it hardly snows. ”
I learned to cross-country ski when I was in the Army. I was assigned to the 11th ADA Signal Battalion as a Remote Site Commander at Radio Site Mönchberg. It is about 40km from Aschaffenburg, Germany. About a mile from our site was a downhill ski area.
In the winter, the road to our site was unreachable by vehicle due to the heavy snowfall. We had a rope in the woods that we used to help us walk up the hill to the communication site. Going down was easy, but we fell a lot. While I was at the Outdoor Recreation Center, they asked if we needed skis, and that’s how I learned to cross country ski. I loved cross-country skiing so much, I continued.
In the winter, the road to our site was unreachable by vehicle due to the heavy snowfall. (Kimmo - stock.adobe.com)
Later, my daughter taught me to snowboard. What better place than the Black Forest, in southwestern Germany to do it? It is a renowned location for winter sports, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and exhilarating activities. Each winter, its dense evergreen trees and rolling hills transform into a snowy winter paradise, which makes it an ideal location for skiing and snowboarding, plus the magic of a winter romance with a fireplace.
Over the last seven years, I have selected Feldberg to celebrate my birthday with the family. We love the high peaks of the Black Forest, which provide a variety of slopes suitable for all skill levels. Skiers and snowboarders alike are drawn to the area for its breathtaking scenery, and the invigorating sense of adventure that comes with gliding down snow-covered hills. Skiing offers a smooth, fast descent, while snowboarding provides more dynamics, with experience, making both activities equally enjoyable.
Ski resorts feature snowboard parks where snowboarders can add an extra layer of excitement to their visit. The combination of natural beauty, diverse activities, and a welcoming atmosphere makes skiing and snowboarding in the Black Forest a memorable experience for all who visit.
In Feldberg there are snowboard parks where snowboarders can add an extra layer of excitement to their visit. (Alina Merenich - stock.adobe.com)
Another advantage of the southern Black Forest is that it borders France and Switzerland. Liechtenstein is also nearby, and worth a short trip to visit the city. It is small but great trip to add to your trip. Take your passport with you to get an official visitor’s stamp. The coffee and sweet shops are great!
One of the most remarkable aspects of winter sports in the Black Forest is the enchanting atmosphere. The slopes are surrounded by towering fir trees, their branches laden with snow, creating a serene and picturesque environment. The quietness of the forest enhances the experience, interrupted only by the sound of kids and adults on skis and snowboards carving through the snow.
In addition to the thrill of the slopes, we enjoy the region’s charming mountain huts, which offer warm refreshments and local treats. Then there is the iconic Black Forest cake, often paired with a steaming cup of hot chocolate. Let’s not forget the potato soup. These cozy breaks provide an opportunity to relax, recharge and take memorable pictures and videos of the family.
Feldberg mountain hut (Pixel62 - stock.adobe.com)
If you are looking for that perfect romantic place to have a real winter wonderland paradise, with variety, it is the Black Forest.
There are many locations to select from to stay. If you want to party, stay at the hotels located near Feldberg. If you want the romantic warm atmosphere, stay in a small township where there are more family-minded hotels, often with a wellness center. Most have a swimming pool, sauna, restaurant and provide a great massage after hiking and skiing all day.
Whether you are an experienced athlete or a beginner, the Black Forest offers something for everyone. Even a walk through the forest trails can place you in the right mood to enjoy winter.
Remember, the unique charm lies not only in the thrill of winter sports, but also in the connection to nature and the sense of enjoyment and long-lasting memories it fosters among families.
