Nordic sports, such as cross-country skiing and Nordic walking, are practiced not only in winter but year-round, both on the fringes of the Alps and in Germany’s low mountain ranges and natural areas. From both a practical and an ecological perspective, this requires a careful consideration of the natural conditions of these areas. It is necessary to balance the needs of athletes, recreational users, and flora and fauna in order to enable recreational use while avoiding or minimizing disruption to sensitive ecosystems.
Facts and Figures
Cross-country and downhill ski areas developed
DSV Nordic Active Centers established
Trail signs installed
Projects: Sports Facility Development
Kurzbeschreibung
A new era for freestyle winter sports was ushered in this fall in Berchtesgaden: Germany’s first landing bag facility was built at the national training center’s training complex over a four-month construction period. This new facility provides athletes in the Olympic disciplines of slopestyle, big air, and halfpipe with expanded training opportunities. Thanks to the air cushion, athletes can learn and refine new tricks safely and with minimal risk of injury. The landing bag does not require snow and can be used nearly year-round by athletes from the German Ski Association and Snowboard Germany. This represents added value for the training center and youth development—and an important investment toward making training operations independent of snow conditions.
- Time period
- 2021–2025
- Project Sponsor
- DSV, SNBGER
- Focus
- Transfer, Future & Environment
- Area of Action
- Resources & Infrastructure, Safety & Health
- Area of Responsibility
- Training Facilities / Federal Training Centers
- Topic
- Sports and Urban Development
Kurzbeschreibung
The development of year-round strategies for national training centers and clubs is necessary to adapt these facilities to changing sociodemographic and climatic conditions and thereby ensure a sustainable future. SIS advises and supports operators of training facilities in their forward-looking transformation.
- Time period
- ongoing
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Future & Environment, Sustainability
- Area of Action
- Economy & Development
- Area of Responsibility
- Training Facilities / Federal Training Centers
- Topic
- Sports and Urban Development, Climate Change
- SDG
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Kurzbeschreibung
The cross-country skiing portal provides information on groomed trails, route profiles, weather, and services. Cross-country skiing enthusiasts can find daily updates on the trails at the DSV nordic aktiv cross-country skiing centers. The portal offers filters by trail length, difficulty level, technique, and trail conditions, allowing users to select the trail that best suits their needs.
Projektpartner
Beirat fĂĽr Umwelt und nachhaltige Skisportentwicklung
- Time period
- ongoing
- Project Sponsor
- SIS, DSV
- Focus
- Future & Environment
- Area of Action
- Safety & Health
- Area of Responsibility
- Winter Sports Destinations
- Topic
- Sports and Urban Development
Kurzbeschreibung
To meet the needs of both ambitious athletes and those seeking recreation, and to ensure that sports are practiced safely and in harmony with nature, a standardized system for classifying, certifying, and signage of cross-country ski trails and downhill slopes is necessary. Since its founding, SIS has been collecting data, implementing pilot projects, contributing to the further development of standards, and developing concepts for winter sports areas that take ecological requirements into account.
- Time period
- ongoing
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Future & Environment
- Area of Action
- Resources & Infrastructure
- Area of Responsibility
- Training Facilities / Federal Training Centers
- Topic
- Sports and Urban Development
- SDG
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Kurzbeschreibung
The DSV nordic aktiv trails and centers designated by the SIS are sports areas that offer (year-round) opportunities to participate in Nordic sports. A concept has been developed for each sport and the local natural conditions, based on which trails are certified, mapped using geographic information systems, and signposted. Visitor flow is managed with ecological parameters in mind to protect wildlife habitats and vegetation.
Projektpartner
Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln, Institut für Outdoor, Sport und Umweltforschung
- Time period
- ongoing
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Future & Environment, Sustainability, Transfer
- Area of Action
- Safety & Health, Economy & Development, Climate & Energy, Mountains & Nature
- Area of Responsibility
- Training Facilities / Federal Training Centers, Winter Sports Destinations
- Topic
- Sports and Urban Development, SIS Seal of Quality
- SDG
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Kurzbeschreibung
By consolidating all relevant location data at DSV national training centers for the first time, we are laying the groundwork for sustainable location management. This effort is based on our existing close collaboration with the training centers, the scientific community, and regional networks. The further development of Germany’s winter sports landscape is promoted through the development of and competition among locations
based on guaranteed snow conditions, excellence, and innovative strength. At the same time, this creates opportunities for standardization and comparison.
- Time period
- ongoing
- Project Sponsor
- SIS, DSV
- Focus
- Future & Environment
- Area of Action
- Climate & Energy, Resources & Infrastructure
- Area of Responsibility
- Training Facilities / Federal Training Centers
- Topic
- Sports and Urban Development
- SDG
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
Kurzbeschreibung
Skitty World Nordic is a program designed specifically for children that offers a playful introduction to cross-country skiing. On a cross-country ski course featuring jumps, bumps, obstacles, and changes in direction, children practice the movements of gliding, running, and jumping. This promotes motor skills and fosters a love of winter sports in children. The concept includes versions for both on-snow and off-snow use.
- Time period
- ongoing
- Project Sponsor
- SIS, DSV
- Focus
- Future & Environment, Transfer
- Area of Action
- Society & Social Issues
- Topic
- Sports and Urban Development, Education
- SDG
- SDG 4: Quality Education
Kurzbeschreibung
In this project, quality criteria were developed to enhance the existing, authentic "cross-country skiing area" into centers offering year-round endurance-oriented outdoor sports. The workbook serves as the foundation for the sports- and environment-related certification of cross-country skiing areas as DSV Nordic Aktiv Centers.
- Time period
- 2001–2010
- Project Sponsor
- DSV, SIS
- Focus
- Future & Environment, Sustainability
- Area of Responsibility
- Winter Sports Destinations
- Topic
- Sports and Urban Development
Kurzbeschreibung
Analysis of the natural environment, the use of the area for sports tourism, and the potential for risks and conflicts within the Southern Black Forest Nature Park. Development of a nature-friendly and sustainable development concept for outdoor sports in the nature park.
Projektpartner
Naturpark SĂĽdschwarzwald e.V.
- Time period
- Before 2000
- Project Sponsor
- SIS, DSV
- Focus
- Future & Environment, Sustainability
- Area of Action
- Resources & Infrastructure
- Area of Responsibility
- Winter Sports Destinations
- Topic
- Sports and Urban Development
- SDG
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Kurzbeschreibung
From the very beginning of the planned renovation of the Hochfirstschanze in 2000, every opportunity for landscape-integrated planning and ecologically oriented design was to be fully exploited in order to make the new ski jump facility and its associated infrastructure a showcase project
- Time period
- Before 2000
- Project Sponsor
- DSV
- Focus
- Future & Environment, Sustainability
- Area of Action
- Resources & Infrastructure
- Area of Responsibility
- Training Facilities / Federal Training Centers
- Topic
- Sports and Urban Development
- SDG
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Kurzbeschreibung
The goal of the project is, on the one hand, to conduct a comprehensive analysis of course parameters with regard to homologation and safety issues and to build a comprehensive database for Alpine World Cup courses. Another key focus is the calculation and visualization of optimized racing lines for skiers, for both training and presentation purposes.
- Time period
- 2001–2010
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Future & Environment, Sustainability
- Area of Action
- Economy & Development
- Area of Responsibility
- Training Facilities / Federal Training Centers
- Topic
- Sports and Urban Development
- SDG
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Kurzbeschreibung
In collaboration with the Pro Natura Foundation and with funding from the FIS, an audit procedure for ski resorts was developed and tested in pilot areas in the D-A-CH region. This involved conducting a situation analysis, an ecological study, data preparation, pilot audits, and the development of a guideline. The guide, “Eco-Audit for Ski Areas / Auditing in Ski Areas: A Guide to Ecological Valorization,” enables the implementation of a standardized auditing procedure across the Alps.
Projektpartner
FIS; Stiftung Pro Natura
- Time period
- Before 2000
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Future & Environment, Sustainability
- Area of Action
- Mountains & Nature
- Area of Responsibility
- Winter Sports Destinations
- Topic
- Sports and Urban Development, Mountain Nature
- SDG
- SDG 15 Life on Land
Kurzbeschreibung
Building on the numerous environmental studies conducted in ski resorts, an integrated assessment method was developed to evaluate environmental sustainability using transferable criteria. This method takes into account all types of land use and impacts affecting the ski resort. Using geographic information systems, this multi-stage process allows for the derivation and interpretation of detailed analyses, comprehensive visualizations, and assessments. The goal is to obtain transparent results for assessing the ecological stability of ski resorts, to identify areas in need of restoration, and to propose maintenance measures. The method has already been applied in the “Kampenwand” ski resort.
- Time period
- Before 2000
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Future & Environment
- Area of Action
- Mountains & Nature, Resources & Infrastructure
- Area of Responsibility
- Winter Sports Destinations
- Topic
- Mountain Nature, Sports and Urban Development
- SDG
- SDG 15 Life on Land
Kurzbeschreibung
The ecological studies are based on a detailed survey of the ski resort, the vegetation, the nature and scope of construction activities, the condition of adjacent forests, damage on the slopes, and summer and winter use. The proposed restoration measures include adapted agricultural use, restoration of damaged areas, improved visitor management in the summer, and gentle slope maintenance. In addition, recommendations are made for the protection of alpine plant communities and valuable biotopes for grouse.
Ecological studies have already been conducted in the following ski areas:
1989 “Nebelhorn” ski resort;
1991 “Kampenwand” ski resort;
1991 “Tegelberg” ski resort;
1992 “Jenner” ski area;
1995 “Hochgrat” ski resort;
1995 “Sudelfeld” ski resort
- Time period
- Before 2000
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Future & Environment
- Area of Action
- Mountains & Nature
- Area of Responsibility
- Winter Sports Destinations
- Topic
- Mountain Nature, Sports and Urban Development
- SDG
- SDG 15 Life on Land
Kurzbeschreibung
The goal of this project was to educate visitors to the “Fellhorn” ski and hiking area near Oberstdorf about the importance of environmentally conscious behavior—both in summer and winter—for the ecological stability of the area and the preservation of biodiversity. As part of the project, a comprehensive plan for environmental public outreach was implemented, along with the development of an environmental nature trail, a brochure, and an environmental guidebook.
- Time period
- Before 2000
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Future & Environment, Transfer
- Area of Action
- Mountains & Nature
- Area of Responsibility
- Winter Sports Destinations
- Topic
- Sports and Urban Development, Knowledge
- SDG
- SDG 15 Life on Land
Kurzbeschreibung
In connection with the master plan for the Rhön Biosphere Reserve, the question arose as to how the core zones designated in this plan could be reconciled with the existing cross-country ski trail network and the preferred habitats of the capercaillie. Based on a conflict analysis focusing on wildlife and forest ecology, concrete measures were developed through an examination of the cross-country ski trail network, an assessment of snow reliability, a survey on the acceptance of individual trails, an analysis of transportation connections, and the development of an information system. The comprehensive catalog ranges from changes to the cross-country ski trail network and an information system to trail maintenance, regulations, closures, and recommendations for monitoring.
- Time period
- Before 2000
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Future & Environment
- Area of Responsibility
- Winter Sports Destinations
- Topic
- Mountain Nature, Sports and Urban Development
- SDG
- SDG 15 Life on Land
Kurzbeschreibung
Exemplary conflict resolution between nature and its use for sports and recreation through a working group comprising all affected stakeholders. Development and implementation of a comprehensive set of measures, including: concentration of sports and recreational activities (summer and winter); removal of a paved road; relocation of a youth campground; construction of a new roller-ski trail; and silvicultural measures to improve habitat quality for capercaillie and hazel grouse. This project serves as a model for cooperation between representatives of sports and nature conservation.
- Time period
- Before 2000
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Future & Environment
- Area of Responsibility
- Winter Sports Destinations
- Topic
- Sports and Urban Development
- SDG
- SDG 15 Life on Land, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Kurzbeschreibung
The SkiSustain research project models the interactions between global change, consumer demand, and supply strategies in order to develop a vulnerability model and test options for sustainable adaptation. The goal is to contribute to the development of efficient and sustainable business models for ski resorts in the face of climate change and socioeconomic shifts.
Projektpartner
Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln, Institut für Outdoor, Sport und Umweltforschung; Universität Zürich; ETH Zürich
- Time period
- 2001–2010
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Future & Environment, Sustainability
- Area of Action
- Economy & Development
- Area of Responsibility
- Winter Sports Destinations
- Topic
- Sports and Urban Development
- SDG
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Kurzbeschreibung
The new cross-country ski lodge is part of the “Schierke 2000” project, which aims to create an innovative, year-round connection between the national park, physical activity, tourism, and transportation. The cross-country ski lodge serves groups interested in physical activity, the environment, and health who come from Schierke’s lodging facilities, and it serves as the educational center for the Saxony-Anhalt Sports Youth Association.
Projektpartner
Gemeinde Schierke; LSV Sachsen-Anhalt
- Time period
- 2001–2010
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Future & Environment
- Area of Action
- Resources & Infrastructure
- Area of Responsibility
- Winter Sports Destinations
- Topic
- Sports and Urban Development
- SDG
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Kurzbeschreibung
The Notschrei Training and Competition Center is located within an EU-designated bird sanctuary, which brings certain structural and sports-related considerations to the forefront of the modernization project. An assessment by a certified ornithologist was required. A comprehensive, site-specific, and viable plan for the modernization of the training and competition center was developed.
- Time period
- 2001–2010
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Future & Environment
- Area of Action
- Mountains & Nature, Resources & Infrastructure
- Area of Responsibility
- World Cup events
- Topic
- Sports and Urban Development, Mountain Nature
- SDG
- SDG 15 Life on Land, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Kurzbeschreibung
The project aimed to create a comprehensive database focused on global change in order to ensure the long-term competitiveness of the companies in the German Cable Car Association. The survey revealed that, after economic developments, companies perceive climate change as the greatest threat to their economic success.
Projektpartner
Verband Deutscher Seilbahnen und Schlepplifte e.V.
- Time period
- 2001–2010
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Future & Environment
- Area of Action
- Economy & Development
- Area of Responsibility
- Winter Sports Destinations
- Topic
- Sports and Urban Development
- SDG
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Kurzbeschreibung
The primary goal of the project was to compile, for the first time, all relevant data for the locations in order to establish sustainable sports facility management. World-class standards were used as a benchmark for quality. At the same time, this approach enables standardization and comparison. The six factors of venue development are: teams/athletes, coaches, regional integration, structure, climate, and infrastructure.
- Time period
- 2001–2010
- Project Sponsor
- SIS, DSV
- Focus
- Future & Environment
- Area of Action
- Resources & Infrastructure
- Area of Responsibility
- Training Facilities / Federal Training Centers
- Topic
- Sports and Urban Development
- SDG
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Kurzbeschreibung
Special Analysis of the Environmental Impact Study (1987–88). Investigation of the climatic conditions for snowmaking on the Feldberg.
- Time period
- Before 2000
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Future & Environment
- Area of Action
- Mountains & Nature
- Area of Responsibility
- Training Facilities / Federal Training Centers
- Topic
- Snow Management, Sports and Urban Development
Kurzbeschreibung
A model for reducing pressure on a ski resort by concentrating visitor traffic during the summer. Examples of measures to inform visitors and to guide and concentrate hikers along trails.
- Time period
- Before 2000
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Future & Environment
- Area of Action
- Mountains & Nature
- Area of Responsibility
- Winter Sports Destinations
- Topic
- Sports and Urban Development
Kurzbeschreibung
Part of the rehabilitation plan for the Nebelhorn that began in 1989. The objective was to use traffic counts and impact mapping to propose a reorganized, resilient trail network that would reduce existing widespread impacts.
- Time period
- Before 2000
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Future & Environment
- Area of Responsibility
- Winter Sports Destinations
- Topic
- Sports and Urban Development
Kurzbeschreibung
Almost simultaneously with the environmental review of ski resorts conducted by the DSV Environmental Advisory Board, the State Office for Environmental Protection also developed a procedure. At the initiative of the Ministry of the Environment, a comparison of the procedures was conducted. The goal of obtaining official recognition of its own procedure was achieved in the spring of 1994 during a final meeting with the Bavarian Ministry of the Environment.
Projektpartner
bayerisches Umweltministerium
- Time period
- Before 2000
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Future & Environment
- Area of Action
- Mountains & Nature
- Area of Responsibility
- Winter Sports Destinations
- Topic
- Mountain Nature, Sports and Urban Development
- SDG
- SDG 15 Life on Land
Kurzbeschreibung
In 1988, plant communities on the slope were surveyed in detail, both as a whole and along specific transects. This laid the groundwork for the first methodologically sound comparison of plant communities before and after snowmaking in the Bavarian Alps. After three years of snowmaking, a new survey was conducted in 1993. The data were compared and analyzed in 1993 and published in the spring of 1995.
- Time period
- Before 2000
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Future & Environment
- Area of Action
- Mountains & Nature
- Area of Responsibility
- Winter Sports Destinations
- Topic
- Mountain Nature, Sports and Urban Development
- SDG
- SDG 15 Life on Land
Kurzbeschreibung
Restoration of deteriorating high-altitude mountain forests to protect the ski areas below, using protective measures against snow slides and browsing by wildlife or grazing livestock. A staggered arrangement of small, fenced-in groups of retaining structures or plants.
- Time period
- Before 2000
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Future & Environment
- Area of Action
- Mountains & Nature, Resources & Infrastructure
- Area of Responsibility
- Winter Sports Destinations
- Topic
- Mountain Nature, Sports and Urban Development
Kurzbeschreibung
Building on the "Rohrhardsberg" pilot project, the study will identify areas within the Black Forest’s cross-country ski trail network that offer potential for improvement from both a sports and environmental perspective, with the aim of subsequently developing concrete implementation measures in collaboration with the State Forestry Administration.
- Time period
- Before 2000
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Future & Environment
- Topic
- Sports and Urban Development
Kurzbeschreibung
Environmentally sustainable design and construction of an attractive cross-country ski trail center: creation of a trail house and a trail bridge, and improvement of the existing trails with consideration for environmental and ergonomic factors.
- Time period
- Before 2000
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Future & Environment
- Area of Responsibility
- Winter Sports Destinations
- Topic
- Sports and Urban Development
Kurzbeschreibung
Ecological and ergonomic analysis and design of the cross-country ski trails, with special consideration given to the presence of birch deer and a coherent traffic management plan
- Time period
- Before 2000
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Future & Environment
- Area of Action
- Mountains & Nature
- Topic
- Sports and Urban Development, Mountain Nature
Kurzbeschreibung
As part of this project, data for over 130 cross-country ski trails is being analyzed. This analysis identifies opportunities to establish sports- and environment-related parameters. Using these benchmarks, the quality of the trails can be assessed and specific recommendations for improvement can be made. Published in the DSV Environmental Series.
- Time period
- Before 2000
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Future & Environment
- Area of Responsibility
- Winter Sports Destinations
- Topic
- Sports and Urban Development
Kurzbeschreibung
The Notschrei Training and Competition Center was modernized based on ornithological, faunistic, and floristic surveys and monitoring of breeding and migratory birds, bats, and amphibians. These comprehensive measures, which incorporate state-of-the-art and resource-efficient technologies, make the Nordic Arena a year-round training center for both elite and recreational sports.
- Time period
- 2021–2025
- Project Sponsor
- SIS
- Focus
- Future & Environment, Sustainability
- Area of Action
- Resources & Infrastructure, Mountains & Nature
- Area of Responsibility
- Training Facilities / Federal Training Centers
- Topic
- Sports and Urban Development