Feldberg-Sprint — Ski Tour Revival like in 1896

Feldberg-Sprint — a revival of the dawn of Black Forest skiing

The Feldberg-Sprint is a living piece of Black Forest ski history. The race revives the first documented cross-country ski race that took place on the Feldberg in 1896 — in other words, in a time before the invention of the ski lift (the first ski lift appeared in 1908) and before alpine downhill skiing. The organizer is the Skiclub Todtnau 1891 e.V., Germany's oldest ski club, which describes itself as the "cradle of organized skiing" and has shaped German ski history in Todtnau (Lörrach district, Baden-Württemberg).

Course and Format

The course closely follows the original route from 1896:

• 5.2 kilometers total length
• 220 vertical meters of ascent
• Start: Valley station of the chairlift at Feldberg-Seebuck
• Route: Valley station → Seebuck (1,449 m) → TV tower → Feldberg summit (1,493 m) → back to the TV tower → back to the valley station via Seebuck
• Format: Mass start, separated by gender
• Permitted: Touring skis with climbing skins and cross-country skis (classic or skating) — no alpine skis

The race is open to everyone — from ambitious ski tourers to fun-oriented ski fans. Registration via the club's website; the entry fee is moderately priced, comparable to similar popular ski touring races.

Prizes and Starter Gifts

All participants receive a starter gift. The winners and top finishers will be awarded attractive prizes, including Feldberg season passes for the upcoming season and Leki ski touring poles — both high-quality material prizes that make the race attractive even for ambitious athletes.

The Feldberg and Skiclub Todtnau

The Feldberg, at 1,493 m, is the highest mountain in the Black Forest and belongs to the municipality of Feldberg (Schwarzwald) in the Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald district (Baden-Württemberg). Its main massif with Feldberg summit, Seebuck, and Bärental is a nature reserve and at the same time the most important winter sports area in Southern Germany. The Skiclub Todtnau 1891 e.V. was founded on November 27, 1891 — four years before the first documented race, which it now revives with the Feldberg-Sprint.

Atmosphere on Race Day

February 21, 2026, falls on a Saturday. With a start time of 1:00 PM and a relatively short distance, the race lasts 30 to 90 minutes depending on the performance class. The atmosphere at Seebuck with views of the Feldberg summit, the typical late winter light in the Black Forest, and the mix of historical tribute and sporting competition makes the race a special experience — and one of the most original ski touring races in Southern Germany.