OUTDOOR RECREATION > CONNECTION magazine > Your free guide to MWR services, sports, entertainment and travel. Now online at www.ArmyGermany.com

Outdoor Recreation Centers (ODR)

Bamberg ......................... 469-8659

Baumholder ................... 485-7182

Brussels .......................... 368-9775

Darmstadt ...................... 348-6277

Dexheim ......................... 334-5818

Hanau ............................. 322-8891 ......................................... 322-6015

Heidelberg ..................... 388-9282

Kaiserslautern ................ 489-7751

Katterbach ..................... 467-3225

Livorno ........................... 633-7775

Mannheim ...................... 381-7215

Schinnen ......................... 360-7561

Schweinfurt .................... 353-8080

SHAPE ............................ 423-5380

Spangdahlem ................. 452-7170

Stuttgart ........................ 431-2774

Vicenza ........................... 634-7453

Wiesbaden ..................... 337-5760

What to bringPLACE IN YOUR BACK PACK• Passport, cash for emergencies from country of origin (Swiss Franc or Euros), credit, bank and insurance card.• Cell phone (for emergencies).• Water and nutritious snacks such as nuts, dried fruits and health bars offer quick energy to get you through the last run of the day.• Hand warmers.• Sun block and lip balm.

CLOTHING• Pullovers such as turtlenecks, thermals and light sweaters.• Undergarments made from polypropylene or a similar synthetic fi ber. Avoid wearing cotton next to your skin when sweating in cold weather.• Heavy-duty ski parka and lighter fl eece jacket.• Hat, goggles, scarf/neck gaiter, gloves/mittens, and earmuffs/headband.• Wool, polypropylene or a similar synthetic fi bersocks designed for heat insulation and wicking.• Boots (ski/board and aprés ski) with warm lining• Aprés ski outfi t.• Swim wear for the pool or sauna.

Know and goKaprun has snow all year because of the glacial peak at about 9,000 feet elevation. Be aware that many times the gondola is crowded and you may have to wait to reach the pistes on the mountain from the base. Most of the mountain falls within the beginner-intermediate cat-egory and advanced skiiers can fi nd some great off-piste during heavy snowfall. Most ski passes allow access to ski lifts at Kaprun and nearby Zell am Zee (5km away). Zell am See is a larger resort area with more advanced ter-rain. Off the slopes Kaprun and Zell am See have a good mixture of traditional Austrian restaurants and is famous for its lively nightlife.

Web based snow reportwww.onthesnow.com orwww.snow-forecast.com

Day trippersGet your ski legs ready for the winter season by catching a few Saturday trips to “Angel Mountain” (Engleberg). Dexheim ODR manager Zeljko Stjepanovic says they have planned some great early season one-day trips to the glacier located in Switzerland. The elevation is an impressive 14,000 feet where intermediates can ski and board long narrow runs.

Good timingThe best part is that the bus will not depart until after the ski lifts are closed so that you can get the most out of your day around 5 p.m. The bus gets back in Wiesbaden about 11 p.m. so you still have all day Sunday to handle your business and get ready for your week. Check with the ODR to see about deals on ski lift passes as well.

Shut the door and skiIf you need more practice, then try indoor Skiing and Snowboardingin Neuss, Germany. Neuss offers a gurantee for excellent man made snow. This is the perfect time to practice a winter sport that you may need more skills in before moving onto the mountain. This climate controlled space offers winter conditions guaranteed 365 days a year. The slope is 300 meters long and 60 meters wide with ideal conditions for all abilities and skill levels. At Neuss, you will experience a per-fect day out at a constant temperature of 4° C. Hanau Outdoor Recreation is planning a trip for November 3 and the cost is only $69 for adults and $59 for kids ages 6 through 15. Bus departs from Hanau Outdoor Recreation, building 504 on Wolfgang Kaserne at 6 a.m.

Giving thanks to the mountainBaumholder ODR is gearing up for their an-nual Thanksgiving trip to the mountain. Werner Graf has the soldier (and family member) in mind when he plans his trip to Kaprun, Austria. He has designed a package deal so that you get the most out of your leave. The bus will depart at

By Alice Verberne

No season like snow season

11 p.m., Wednesday (taking advantage of the liberal leave day on Friday) and return Sunday evening. The bus is scheduled to arrive just in time to catch the fi rst groomed run Thursday morning. The trip is designed so that the bus should arrive around 7 a.m. (just in time for breakfast). After check in, you can hit the slopes.

About the resortsZell am See and Kaprun, AustriaGet ready for the annual Austrian adventure to one of the most fun ski resorts in Europe. Kaprun is the place to go

if you want to jump and carve the slopes or hit the dance fl oor. Austria is

known for its “gemuglishkeit” (cozy atmosphere) both on and off the slopes.

You’ll be able to ski 81 miles over 59 pistes between four mountains;

if that is not enough, check out the skier/snowboarder fun park located on the glacier plateau.

Novice skiers will be happy to hear that the learning slopes are located at the top of the glacier (around 9,842 feet) offering a breath-taking panoramic view without the danger of constant steep elevation. When it gets too cold to ski, you will be steps away from the music and “gluhwein” (hot spiced red wine) that is sure to warm your hands and mood.

Those who want to try different ski areas may use public transportation to reach other resorts such as Kitzsteinhorn. Just be sure your ski pass covers the area you want to ski

(check the back of the ticket before hop-ping on a public bus).

Graf says Zell am See (a resort area located in the Kaprun, Aus-tria valley) is also near enough for easy access for skiing, sight

seeing, celebrating and shopping.

Ah, the spa! Don’t forget to pack your swim gear and get ready to relax. If you like to ski, but your partner does not, send them to a relaxing day at the spa. Or join swimmers at the pool and sauna for a relaxing spa experience; perfect for the person with sore muscles from skiing and snowboarding all day.

Non-skiiers should ask about the special trip to Bad Hofgastein. Graf can arrange a discount for non-skiiers so that they may

use the extra money on what they perfer, such as sight seeing, shopping or being pampered with a massage.

Bad Hofgastein has been a popular spa since the 1500s and has been a recreation

location for royals and locals alike. Entry is about 20 euros and includes use of swimming

pools, steam rooms, sauna and relaxation areas. Massage and solarium usually cost extra.

Graf also says that he gives those who have their own equipment complimentary service (waxing and edging) on skis or snowboards since they do not need to rent equipment.

Need gear, rent it here Rental equipment and lessons may be scheduled at any USAG Hessen ODR. Make sure to call each ODR for changes in specifi c offers before you sign up for their trip. In some cases, equipment, lessons and ski passes may be included in the price. In oth-ers, these services may cost extra. Since each ODR offers something slightly different in their packages, it is prudent to give them a call to confi rm the program and check for adjustments before signing up. And remember to reserve early to guarantee space on the bus.

Winter in full swingOnce ski season is in full swing, many ODRs will be planning day trips to the Black Forest. Both Graf and Stjepanovic say their ODRs have plans underway for day trips after the fi rst of the year. The ODR staff will be keeping an eye on snow conditions, and when the time is right, they will take you there. Wiesbaden’s Black Forest day trips are slotted to leave at 4 a.m. to arrive back at the base around 9 p.m., but you may contact any ODR in your area for ski trip schedules. See list of phone numbers accompanying this article.

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Ski and snowboard

e-mail Alice at Alice.Verberne@eur.army.mil22 23

et your skis and boards waxed, it is time to hit the slopes. If you need practice before the big snowfall (that everyone hopes will happen for Thanksgiving) then give ODR a call.

Ski piste map courtsey Kaprun Tourist Information

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