Future of Nordic sports programmes discussed

Members of the Nordicsport Arena discuss: Refinancing and summer offers 

Mowing and mulching trails, hanging up signs and maintaining equipment - these are the current tasks in the cross-country ski areas. Meanwhile, the Nordicsport-Arena Sauerland is looking to the future. The members' meeting focussed on refinancing the offers and approaches for a summer concept. 

In addition to the topics of sustainability, bike and trail parks, activity programmes from the Nordic sector could also find their way into the summer area of the Wintersport-Arena Sauerland in the future. Chairman Stefan Küpper initiated a discussion about possible summer themes - also, but not only, for cross-country skiers. The target groups could be the health-conscious, the athletically ambitious and children, locals and guests alike. Inline skating, Nordic blading or trail running, breathwalking or outdoor yoga - there was no shortage of ideas. The ideas are currently being collected in order to mould them into a short concept.

There are many opportunities for cooperation, bundling and utilising synergies. The consolidation of existing offers, the creation of new offers across the region and the networking of digital booking channels could play an important role here. The former concept of Nordic Active Centres could also be put to the test and redesigned and revitalised in line with current market requirements. In cooperation with the West German Ski Association, it would be possible to train the necessary guides and present them together with the destinations on a superordinate platform. The approaches are to be discussed in the next working group in order to initiate further steps after the winter if possible.

Nevertheless, the Nordicsport-Arena e. V. is still a long way from covering its costs. ‘In a good winter, income is significantly higher,’ says Chairman Stefan Küpper. This was only noticeable on a few days last season. ‘But this is much more costly in difficult conditions than in consistently good winter weather.’ There are also fixed costs that have to be covered if the cross-country ski trail groomers cannot be used for large parts of the season. 

Last winter, most of the trails were only groomed for about a week at the start of the season. Other offers were available at the end of January. Also only for a few days. Those responsible are now hoping for a good and consistent winter. 

Board elections
Peter Franz from the Oberhundem ski club was elected as an assessor, replacing his club colleague Andreas Schöttes. The following were confirmed in office: Stefan Küpper from the Wunderthausen ski club as chairman, Heinrich Berghoff from the Westfeld cross-country skiing centre as deputy chairman. Torben Firley from the Winterberg tourist office and Michael Beckmann, Chairman of the Wintersport Arena Sauerland, remain as assessors. 

In contrast to the alpine ski areas, the use of the cross-country ski trails is basically free of charge in almost all areas. Those responsible are appealing to every single guest to become a member of the cross-country ski trail association for just 30 euros a year or at least to buy a cross-country ski trail ticket for 5 euros every time they visit. ‘It is in the interests of everyone, the guests and the clubs, to ensure the quality of the offers in this way,’ says Küpper. Tickets are available at many trail entrances in the tourist information centres and online from the Wintersport-Arena Sauerland. Applications for membership are also available on the Wintersport-Arena Sauerland online portal. Refinancing options are also to be included in the considerations for the future summer concept. 

Despite the past difficult winter, the number of members in the cross-country skiing association has risen from 350 to 409. The income generated from membership fees and cross-country ski trail tickets totalled 20,705.98 euros. This was paid out in full to the ski clubs responsible for the cross-country ski trails. Further financial support came from the Wintersport Arena Sauerland and Sauerland Tourism.