It wasn't that long ago that Nordic skiing at TSV Bernbeuren no longer had a future.
Fortunately, the chairman of the TSV and the division management decided two years ago not to have a funeral, but to revive the winter sport.
Bernbeuren - It was not so long ago that Nordic skiing at TSV Bernbeuren no longer had a future.
“We actually wanted to bury the whole issue,” says Martin Schmölz, recalling a difficult phase in the history of the ski department.
Fortunately, the chairman of the TSV and the division management decided two years ago not to have a funeral, but to revive the winter sport.
Of course, the club also had to take some money into hand.
But because the community and the local tourist association also contributed to the costs, a snowmobile and tracking device could be purchased.
The courage to take risks and the willingness to invest paid off.
"Last year and this year, cross-country skiing was back in fashion with us," says Schmölz, making a positive trend now.
In 2020 ten interested people registered for a beginner's course.
Circuit attractive for all age groups
Encouraged by this influx, Christian Natzeder and Karl Fichtel have been preparing a trail for both skaters and runners who prefer the classic style since mid-January, despite the pandemic.
"That takes a lot of time," admits the TSV head.
Whenever there was fresh snow, you had to re-track every time.
For about three and a half kilometers, a lap leads past Haslacher See in the north of the village and then back again.
“You can keep yourself busy for an hour or two,” says Schmölz.
Those who weren't quite so fit could have fun on a small round on the sports field.
Since the difference in altitude is only 25 meters in total, the course is attractive for all age groups.
“On Sunday when the weather was good, some were out,” observed the President with pleasure.
The TSV's offer was well received by the citizens.
The three entry options also contributed to this.
At Haslacher See, on Schongauer Strasse and at the sports field, the athletes could start their tour.
“It was a positive thing that you just had to walk across the street and be there right away,” stated Schmölz.
The immediate vicinity was seen as an incentive.
Many skiers used the convenient location to exercise a little after work.
During Corona times, the trail is used intensively
The TSV also benefited from this, because all Bavarian ski areas have been closed for months due to the corona pandemic.
"Many do not want to leave", Schmölz found out during discussions with his fellow citizens, "many don't get out much".
The opportunities on site are used all the more intensively.
Because the situation is no different in the neighboring communities, Rettenbach, Burggen and Lechbruck also created their own trails.
But not only the fans of Nordic skiing got their money's worth.
The association also prepared an approximately 100 meter long slope on the Auerberg for skiing or tobogganing.
Although the specially set up lift was not allowed to be operated, the parents of small children in particular proved to be particularly creative and set up a personal transport service for their offspring on the street that passes by the piste.
“It was cool to see that,” said Schmölz, delighted about the inventiveness of the adults.
However, the ski circus on the Auerberg did not degenerate into mass operations.
He never met more than five families at a time.
The response was positive.
"Thank you very much from many," reports Schmölz.
However, the thaw of the past few days has ensured that the winter joys are over for the time being.
“Maybe something will come again”, the chairman hopes for fresh snow, even if spring is slowly becoming more and more noticeable.
There are now enough ski enthusiasts in Bernbeuren again.
