Outdoor Recreation — Feb. 15, 2019

Kaiserslautern

Kaiserslautern Outdoor Recreation, Pulaski Barracks, Bldg. 2905, 493-4117 or 0631-3406-4117. Mon. to Fri. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on federal holidays. https://kaiserslautern.armymwr.com

London by S-F / Shutterstock.com

London Express
Feb. 22-24
Immerse yourself in the world of the royals at the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and Windsor Castle. Visit the British Museum, the National Gallery, Victoria and Albert’s, or Madame Tussauds. Snap that perfect panorama picture of Big Ben from the top of the London Eye. Visit the original Hard Rock Café and get a picture crossing Abbey Road, or get in some shopping on Oxford Street or at Harrods.  We will stay in London late enough so you can spend an evening at the theater, or enjoy a dinner in a high class restaurant or specialized gastro-pub. Cost: $149 per person

Ski Express Special – St. Moritz, Switzerland
Feb. 23
St Moritz’s three separate ski areas of Corviglia, Corvatsch and Diavolezza Lagalb offer completely different skiing experiences. Corviglia is a piste skiers paradise directly above St Moritz. Accessed by four different points in the valley, its 155km of sunny south facing slopes are wonderful for fast turns & long lunches. The off piste is extensive as well and includes everything from expert only chutes to wide open alpine bowls. Cost: $99 per person.

Venice by givaga / Shutterstock.com

Venice Express – Carnivale Edition
March 1-3
Venice is the original home of the pre-lent festivities of Carnivale, known in the states as Mardi Gras. While the season officially starts in November, the climax of the season is the week leading up to Fat Tuesday. With no tour guide or set schedule to follow, you will be able to explore this living museum however you see fit. Cost: $189 per person

Imperial Weekend – Vienna & Budapest
March 14-18
Spend a long weekend along the Danube river in three Hapsburg imperial cities, Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest. Cost: Starting at $429+ per person

Paris by Catarina Belova / Shutterstock.com

Paris Weekend
March 15-18
Use the long weekend to your advantage and climb to the top of the Eiffel tower, view the Mona Lisa, visit Versailles, ring the bells of Notre Dame, or dive into the darker side of Paris on one of the world famous Paris Sewer Tour. 3 overnights will allow for plenty of time to experience a show at Moulin Rouge and the rest of Paris’s famous evening entertainment. Your hotel is close to a metro station, providing you with an excellent home base to explore everything Paris has to offer, at your own pace. Cost: Starting at $399+ per person

Zell am See Ski Weekend
March 15-18
From your hotel on the shores of the Zellersee, you will only be a couple of blocks from the base of the gondola to the ski areas on the Schmittenhöhe. With the ability to ski directly into town, your day will start and end when you want it to, and even if the spring weather is warmer than you like, you can still ski on the Kaprun Glacier, which is high enough to guarantee skiable conditions, even if people are paragliding in the valley. Cost: Starting at $429+ per person

Keukenhof Garden by Nikolay Antonov / Shutterstock.com

Keukenhof Gardens
March 30, April 13 (Tulip Parade), May 4 & 18
Keukenhof has been the world’s largest flower garden for over fifty years. This trip will take you to eighty acres of Tulip Gardens in Keukenhof where many fascinating flower arrangements spread along winding, gentle and paved paths. Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, narcissi and orchids, azaleas, and hydrangeas in every color imaginable are represented, as are many more! For a different perspective of the gardens, take an electric ‘whisper boat’ cruise on one of many canals. You will also visit a cheese farm and wooden shoe shop on the way to the gardens where you can stock up on traditional Dutch specialty items. Cost: $89 per person

Kaprun glacier by nikolpetr / Shutterstock.com

Ski Express – Kaprun Glacier, Austria
March 30
Take advantage of a special Ski Express trip to the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier! Virtually guaranteed to still have good snow at the higher elevations, and likely to have top to bottom coverage on the entire glacier area, Kitzsteinhorn is a spring skiing paradise for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Cost: $89 per person

 


Ramstein

Ramstein Outdoor Recreation, KMC Center, Bldg. 3336, 480-5705 or 06371-47-5705. Mon. to Fri. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sat., Sun., holidays and training days 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. https://www.86fss.com/sports-and-recreation/outdoor-recreation

Black Forest by Marcel Heinzmann / Shutterstock.com

Ski Trip: Feldberg
Feb. 23
The tallest mountain in the Black Forest is home to the region’s largest ski area. The Feldberg Ski Resort offers 26 kilometers of groomed snow runs for beginners, children, and seasoned skiers and snowboarders alike. We will depart bright and early to make it to the resort for fresh tracks, spending the full day skiing and return that evening. Half price ski/snowboard equipment rental is available to participants during normal fitting hours (1 hour before store closes) for three days prior to trip departure. Lift ticket and ½ price rental not included in trip fee. Cost: $49, Ages: All ages

Black forest, white snowshoe
Feb. 24
We will select unique Black Forest destination to explore by snowshoe! Location will be determined based on conditions in the region. Trips will range from 8-12 kilometers with stops for hot beverages, snacking and taking in the sights along our route. Bring a lunch and snacks. A unique opportunity not to be missed! Cost: $39, Ages: 10+ with parent

Lead climbing by Olga Danylenko / Shutterstock.com

Intro to lead climbing
Feb. 16
Take the next step in your climbing progression! Learn how to ascend from the ground up while anchoring yourself to the rock with climbing gear. Practice with new gear and acquire new belay techniques and climbing styles in the safety of an indoor setting. Not for beginner climbers! Belay certification and climbing experience required prior to registration. Participants successfully completing this course will be issued a lead climbing qualification card. Minimum 3 participants to run course. Cost: $30, Ages: All

 

Dahn by Joerg Steber / Shutterstock.com

Dahn Rock Hike
Feb. 17
Crisp winter air and bright red sandstone set the backdrop for this exciting and scenic day hike around the cliffs and crags surrounding the village of Dahn. Bring your boots and a sack lunch, and join us in the forest for a full day of hiking. Cost: $29, Ages: All

Ski Trip: La Bresse Express
Feb. 23
The largest ski area in northeast France offers more than 220 hectares dedicated to skiing in the heart of the Ballons de Vosges. Lift tickets are less than 30 euro per person and there are 32 different slopes all within a day’s drive from Kaiserslautern! We will depart bright and early to make it to the resort for fresh tracks, spending the full day skiing and the return that evening. Half price ski/snowboard equipment rental is available to participants during normal fitting hours (1 hour before store closes) for three days prior to trip departure. Half price rental not included in trip registration fee. Cost: $49