9 Feb 2015

A Frosty Intermission

on February 9, 2015 By Joe Dodgshun In Blog Leave a comment

Chasing the weather near Berlin

Brr. Yesterday’s spontaneous day at the ski resort of Oberwiesenthal was rather wild, so I think the follow-up to last week’s Raglan/NZ New Years post shall have to be postponed in favour of portraying the faces of this frosty trip out east. Starting at 5.30am, ending at 10.30pm, plenty in between.

Sunrise snowstorm amongst the forests of Brandenburg

Dresden, just over half-way on the 3 and a half hour road trip

Arrival at the top of Fichtelberg (East Germany’s tallest mountain, at 1215m). Temperature: -8 degrees celsius, not counting wind chill.

Evoking scenes from ‘Grand Hotel Budapest’, the delightfully renovated Fichtelberg Schwebebahn (cable car) is the oldest of its type in Germany, having opened in 1924. Despite its vintage, it can take up to 44 passengers, and indeed it did, in a very intimate crush.

A view across the border into the Czech Republic in one of the fine breaks that would hit as quickly as they would disappear in a blur of wind-driven snow. Beautiful snow for riding, cheap ski passes (€25 a day) and constantly changing views.

Lifts closing, clothing items beginning to freeze into place. Game over.

Just before we came across a deserted, snow-blocked road, departed on detours and found the windscreen washers were frozen. Special mention goes out to heated seats.

About the Author:Joe Dodgshun

Berlin-based Kiwi writer in innovation communication. Inspired by social enterprise, science and tech for good, responsible travel and climate action. Sharing the inspiration through journalism and brand storytelling.