European Stars And Stripes (Newspaper) - October 27, 1988, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Two Sitters plunge through the powder kicking up plumes a Snow. By Norm Zeiger outdoor travel writer to some autumn and the Advent of Winter mean Ilie  end of outdoor activities and Semi Hibernia Lynn indoors until Spring. Bui for skiers falling leaves and Shorter Days bring the excitement and anticipation of another season on the slopes. And for americans in Europe the changing of the seasons can open up .1 whole new world. Lef Fleedy chief of Usa eur outdoor recreation considers skiing in integral part of the european experience. We rive skiing High priority As outdoor recreation. We feel you Haven t experienced Europe if you Haven t taken the oppor Lucily to ski  John Schwartz manager of the travel company Scherer Tours has been skiing for 25 years 1 1 of those on european slopes. He highly recommends giving skiing a try while in Europe. The slope Are relatively close skiing is easy to learn and in s relatively inexpensive in Europe he said. Schwartz expects More americans on Europe s slopes this season because the Dollar has bounced Back a bit and the prices of life  Al most european resorts Are a Good Deal compared to stateside prices. Ski resorts across Europe offer nearly every imaginable Lype of skiing for every skill level. There is something for everyone from the beginner who Lias never heard of a Stem Chrislie to the most avid powder hound. Facilities run the Gamut from a Liny Hill with a single rope Tow to some of the highest peaks in the Alps with sky High Cable cars chair lifts and Complete resort cities at their bases. Lodging can be a simple hut with Only the must Basic amenities or a four Star hotel in one of the Premier Jet set resorts such As Vermall Switzerland or Kitz Bithel Austria. American skiers associated with the military in Europe have several options thai arc not available to europeans. These include Access to the outdoor recreation centers and armed forces recreation Center facilities. There Are also a number of american ski clubs on bases in Europe. Membership in these clubs is generally open on a limited basis to those not associated with the military. Especially to those who honed their to Tai a in the . Northeast european ski slopes offer new challenges and opportunities and also new dangers. The Alps have some of the most spectacular Mountain scenery and most exhilarating skiing in the world. Wide open slopes and powder can provoke astonishment and wonder in those who Are used to skiing on ice or hard packed granules Down narrow trails Cut out of a new England Forest. But exuberance at the new experience should be tempered with caution. Cliffs crevasses and avalanches Are dangers unfamiliar to Many . Skiers. Some areas in Europe offer Glacier skiing making it possible for skiers to pursue their Sporl year round. Many intermediate skiers new to Europe have the misconception thai the lop of the word experience of Glacier skiing is out of i heir f Calm this is not the Case. Most Glacier skiing is on wide gentle slopes and skiers of modest skills need not be intimidated by the fact Hal the slopes Are Al altitudes of 10,000 feet or More High above the valleys. In fact expert skiers can gel bored skiing Al some Glacier areas. For Hose raised in the Snow bowls and deep in tracked powder of the Rockies skiing in Europe will be More like they remember it Back Home one of the special things about skiing in Europe is the atmosphere or ambiance of the resorts. Those picturesque clusters of wooden chalets nestled in the valleys of Austria Switzerland Northern Nlaly and Southern Germany have served As the inspiration for Many a resort planner in the United Stales. Some Large resorts offer a wild night life scene and choices of entertainment and activities to rival Many a Large City. Others Are cozy Little villages. An aspect of skiing in Europe that varies Lille from the United states is the preseason preparation necessary to assure a Safe and enjoyable season. The most important factors to be considered Are preseason conditioning clothing and equipment. So plan ahead and your Winter outings can leave you with unforgettable memories of the slopes on this Side of the Atlantic. Of mini Etollar . October 27, ibs to Taipei Nufi Zint