Cross-Country-Skiing in the Black Forest

Many Freiburgers and people nearby, including French Alsatians and Swiss, love to go skiing in the Black Forest, located practically at their front door.  As aging former downhill ski teacher I watch with some envy as younger generations rush by on downhill skis.  Nowadays Bill and I prefer cross country skiing as it is so much easier on the knees.  Many villages have specially made snow tracks leading up and down gentle slopes.  The length of the ski tours ranges from 8km to 25km to... you decide....

Fortunately, there are good signs to tell you where to go and how far your next destination is:

Ugh! Finally on top of the hill!!

 

The après-ski is also a lot of fun:  there are plenty of Gasthauses or huts where the hungry skier can get good, moderately priced food.  For example, the Gasthaus of the Farmers Wives in St. Maergen which is a cooperative: they run their own "restaurant" that offers locally grown supplies, cheeses, herbs, wines and cook delicious main meals and serve a great coffee and cake (here we are after a beef stew with red wine (Bill) and Weizenbeer (I), eating cheesecake (Bill) and Black Forest Cherry cake (I).   

 

Lunch at the Hoefener Hut

 

 

After a cold and foggy tour to St. Wilhelm Hut: Boy, did the simple food taste great!