Press reports
Foresters, poachers, townspeople: skiing legends come to life
18th nostalgic ski race in the ski village of Neuastenberg in perfect winter sports conditions
Leather straps instead of safety bindings. Wool coat instead of high-tech functional clothing. A long wooden pole instead of two aluminum poles bent aerodynamically around the body. Skiers 100 years ago were real heroes! Spectators at the nostalgia ski race in Winterberg-Neuastenberg on February 9 can see this for themselves.
The “old” skiers were driven by daring, pioneering and exploratory spirit. They traveled from the Ruhr region and the Cologne area to the “distant” Sauerland to experience snow and “wild” nature. And to compete in their skiing skills. There are many stories about this time long ago. Many relics can still be admired today in the West German Winter Sports Museum at the foot of the Postwiesenhang.
All of this comes to life every second year in February when the Neuastenberg village community organizes its nostalgic ski race. “Foresters”, ‘poachers’ and ‘rich’ ‘townspeople’ dressed in the urban chic of the time populate the upper Postwiese. Women in long woolen skirts or even woolen pants - very daring in those days, only a few dared to do so. Each of the nostalgically dressed runners has their own story.
The obstacle course, which everyone has to master, leads through bends and gates, over waves and around small trees. There are always small falls along the way to amuse the spectators. Somehow, everyone gets to the bottom. Then comes the jump run. Just like at the earlier ski festivals, which attracted several thousand spectators to Winterberg. Mostly to the Sahnehang, just a few kilometers away as the crow flies.
The ski jump is waiting for those who dare. Not a K80 like in Winterberg. Built purely out of snow and high enough for most people to make it over. The spectators cheer on and applaud more or less perfect landings. The skiers jump wildly, waving their arms, as was typical of the style at the time.
Many a sip of “Astenfeuer” runs down their throats and gives them courage for the next descent. The mass descent down to the West German Winter Sports Museum is certainly a particularly impressive sight.
Just a few meters away, the Snowboard Testival is taking place in the Funpark this weekend. For two days, the Postwiesen Park will become the arena for Germany's biggest snowboard test. Visitors can test boards and the latest products free of charge. These include well-known and popular brands such as Bataleon, Burton StepOn, Capita and Rome. Visitors can watch the “Stuff for Tricks” contest while enjoying drinks, snacks from the barbecue and sound from DJ Cem (Bestpackers Cologne).
Just a few meters away, the Snowboard Testival is taking place this weekend in the Funpark. For two days, the Postwiesen Park will become the arena for Germany's biggest snowboard test. Visitors can test boards and the latest products free of charge. These include well-known and popular brands such as Bataleon, Burton StepOn, Capita and Rome. Visitors can watch the “Stuff for Tricks” contest while enjoying drinks, snacks from the barbecue and sound from DJ Cem (Bestpackers Cologne).
Due to the good winter weather, the organizers are expecting around 40 participants in the nostalgia ski race. The stable, dry and cold weather conditions are just right for the events in the Neuastenberg ski village. Temperatures are dropping and winter sports are on the rise. The lift operators are expecting very good conditions on the snow-covered slopes until well into February.
Program
from 11.00 a.m. Registration of participants
approx. 11.30 am Introduction of the nostalgic skiers
approx. 12.00 noon Gate and obstacle course
approx. 13.00 Jump on the natural ski jump
approx. 14.00 Mass descent to the winter sports museum
approx. 2.30 pm snack in the Winter Sports Museum / Landfein
followed by award ceremony and finale