Open-air skiing all year round, and all that in the middle of a city? That has been made possible in Copenhagen. On the roof of a power plant, 'CopenHill' attracts keen skiers. Instead of (artificial) snow, the Danish capital banks on silicone-coated plastic bristles. According to the operators, it is the highest artificial open-air ski hill in the world, and could become a new landmark for the city.
“A Ride Like On Firm Snow”
The 450m/220yd run is located approximately 10 minutes outside the city centre, and winds down the roof of the 85m/278ft building, over the facade, down to the ground. “Despite the unusual green sight, the slope allows for a ride like on firm snow”, says Christian Ingels, CEO of CopenHill, the company operating the ski facility at Copenhagen's harbour quarter.
CopenHill not only features slope areas of all difficulty levels, but also boasts a freestyle park as well as a ski shop with rentals. Furthermore, the creators included a peak restaurant, hiking trails between spruces and meadows as well as a more than 85m/278ft high climbing wall. Hence, even non-skiers will find something to do.
“We want to be the place where families spend their weekends, where friends come together to have fun, and where students spend their time outdoors. In short: the place, where Copenhageners come to relax and exercise”, Ingels says.
But they also want to cater to skiers who want to go on a trip into the snow shortly after: “The idea is for Danes to warm up on CopenHill, before they go skiing in the Alps.”
Holiday Region Saalbach-Hinterglemm as a Partner
The Saalbach-Hinterglemm Tourism Association in Austria is one of the partners of the highest artificial ski hill in the world. The director of the association, Isabella Dschulnigg-Geissler, expressed her enthusiasm about the Copenhill project during a visit to the premises: "We are absolutely excited about Copenhill. Here, Danes can gather their first experiences or brush up on their skills before heading to our ski circus". Denmark is one of the most important markets for Saalbach-Hinterglemm, with 80,000 overnight stays in the winter season of 2018/2019.
"Of course we use the opportunity this facility offers to get in touch with our Danish guests", Head of Marketing Wolfgang Quas explained. Among other aspects, the Saalbach logo will be visible on lift cabins at Copenhill. "While a Race-To-Saalbach will attract attention in Copenhill, a Race-To-Copenhill will be added in Saalbach", Heinz Fuchs, chairman of the Saalbach-Hinterglemm association, added.
