Stories from Bad Kleinkirchheim

Author: Ed Wohlfahrt

The pressure at the beginning of the season is pretty high, says Otmar Mitter and Manfred Liegl agrees wholeheartedly. All the cross-country ski fans call at the same time, wanting to know if the tracks in Bad Kleinkirchheim are ready yet. At that time, usually just before Xmas, the co-workers at the county building-yard are already working feverishly to finish the tracks. In order to do that, they produce artificial snow up at the coldest location in town, and then bring it down to the valley and groom it into a perfect “expressway”. This is the trick they use to get a head start on winter and also to offer cross-country skiers the kind of snow conditions they can’t get anywhere else that early in the season.

The elaborately produced artificial snow is just one reason why the tracks in Bad Kleinkirchheim are they way they are. The more important factor is presented in the person of Mitter, Liegl and naturally Waldemar Schabus, who are all responsible for the general well-being of all cross-country skiers. It is almost understandable then that all three of them are passionate cross-country skiers themselves. But this is only ‘almost’ understandable, because not every track is groomed and cared for by those who love the sport. But this is the deciding factor when we’re talking about how the curves are laid and what length the cruising sections should have.

The cross-country tracks in Bad Kleinkirchheim can be used by classical skiers and also by skating skiers. In a winter with lots of snow, there’s a total of 40 kilometers starting from Patergassen and Gnesau all the way to the saw mill Seebacher. The incline between Patergassen and the golf course Kaiserburg is the only really hard part. Otherwise the fairly easy track curves and snakes comfortably over the valley floor, so that skiers of all levels can have fun. Here’s a tip for the athletically inclined: If cross-country youth trainer Waldemar Schabus is on the track, then look out. Even if he has enjoyed one or two Gauloises cigarettes beforehand, if we are to believe his colleagues Mitter and Liegl, then he’s a natural force on skis – one that will lead to burning quadriceps if you ski with him.

Tip: Park your car at the golf course at Kaiserburg (car park) – from here you can get right on the track Track: classic and skating Level: all levels including beginners Costs: you can use the track for free!