Bright sunshine, the finest BBQ, an open-air concert right on the shore - it all sounds wonderful. And like summer. But last Friday's Nordic Park Opening at Ritzensee in Saalfelden Leogang showed that such things are also an excellent idea in winter. Kilometres of cross-country ski trails, idyllic winter hiking trails including mountain scenery and lake views, a fun & snow park for kids and a wonderful natural ice rink await visitors throughout the season. The perfect place to celebrate this Nordic lifestyle, as it stands for a combination of sport and enjoyment.
While the adults were treated to beef burgers, veggie burgers and chilli cabbage stew by the Feldküchen collective, the children had to look after their own food - much to their delight. They were given organic sausages in a wrap and marshmallows to grill themselves. There was a clear requirement profile when putting together the dishes: they were prepared using seasonal and regional products from Saalfelden Leogang. And while some were still dining, others were already doing their laps on the cross-country ski trail around the Ritzensee or performing pirouettes on the natural ice rink.
Contrary to the band's name, which suggests something rather gloomy, Catastrophe & Cure then created an excellent atmosphere with their songs. And it certainly wasn't just due to the wintry temperatures towards the end of the evening that no foot remained still. The musicians also clearly enjoyed the unusual setting: "This is our first open air in winter. For the first time, we don't have the problem that the beer might get warm, but at most that it might freeze," joked singer Johannes Eder. And the fact that this was supposedly the biggest worry says a lot about this successful afternoon anyway.
