I received the exciting opportunity to travel across the pond to watch part of the World Championships in Seefeld, Austria. This trip was sponsored by Fischer Nordic, and included watching world cup athletes compete, some skiing in the mountains at 1300m, and a tour of the Fischer Factory!
Highlands Teddy has his bags all packed and is ready to go!
February 26th
Travel Day!
Getting fueled up at Petes Deli!
February 27th
Arrival in Munich was smooth and we hop in the taxi to make our way to Reid.
Late in the day arrival means the first of many dips in the pool during the trip. To fight the jet lag I go for a little walk and I am amazed at how far ahead the weather is. It is about the same altitude as home and I would say they are at least 2 months ahead of where we are. Lots of green and birds in the air.
February 28th
Fischer Factory tour day!
Fischer started in 1924, making wooden sleds.
The Evolution of the Fischer logo
The latest and greatest are the 3D Speedmax, gliding sidewalls. This redeveloped technology means that we now have the ability liquid glide wax the sidewalls to make a faster ski!
Little known fact that Fischer makes hockey sticks! Kit from Alberta shows it off.
Pictures and video aren’t allowed in the Factory.
Even though it was inventory day and the machinery wasn’t in action, we had a full walk through of the step by step process of how the skis are made. Everything from the SCS ski and up is made in Austria. Each ski is made individually and then paired based on the camber of the ski.
Stacks and stacks of skis are already being made for next season.
Now that’s just a couple of Speedmax’s
The Canadian Team! Nick (Quebec), Gilles (Quebec), Bob (Ontario), Ben (Quebec), Ron (Ontario), Shane (British Columbia), Joel (Quebec), Luc (Quebec), Fred (our fireceless leader), Claude (Quebec), Duncan (Ontario), Arron (Alberta), Kit (Alberta), John (Alberta), Bryan (Ottawa), Me!
And now we know how much we are being spoiled as we roll into our 5 Star Hotel. We literally DROVE into reception.
The view from my hotel room.
March 1st
First day of equipment testing! I was on a pair of Speedmax skate skis and One way Poles (a business that Fischer has just bought). We had a beautiful ski and it was so nice to move after some long days of travel. Also in case you were wondering the Speedmax was an amazing ski 🙂
Ron, John, Bob & Me.
A groomer that has been changed into a food truck!
It was a wet day to watch races, but the rain couldn’t dampen the excitement of all 12,000 spectators at the Men 4 by 10km relay. 2 laps of classic and 2 laps of skate.
All together now.
There may be just a few Norwegian’s attending this event. And this is apparently the whole countries favourite song.
A little ski jumping to wrap up the day. Does it look familiar? If you watched Eagle Eddie it should. This is where they filmed the Calgary Olympic Scene. Of course this looks nothing like the Calgary, but it is a nice site for a movie.
Now those are some BIG cowbells.
March 2nd
Day 2 of ski testing. I took out a pair of Speedmax Skins, and Fischer poles. It an early morning ski that started the day off just right.
Battle of who has the biggest team truck.
Team Norway
Team Canada
The US Team Truck
I had to nerd out on the fleet of groomers for a minute.
Rocking out at the Women’s 30km. Note the lady in blue is knitting to the beat.
March 3rd
Last day of fun! I thought we were just going to a little ski. Turns out I chose the group that went for a 25km trek up and down the mountain. I was toast, but it was well worth it.
Hannes, Joel, Ben and Me.
Off to the races! Men’s 50km.
See you on the trails!
