The «Loipe Diemtigtal» association was founded back in 1980. René Burkhard has been its president since 1992 and he is responsible for the cross-country skiing trail. Cross-country skiing is René’s life and he is very dedicated to the Diemtigtal trail. He loves to drive a snowcat in the early morning hours and enjoys the atmosphere of a starlit night. Always close to nature.
René and his team start their maintenance work in autumn to guarantee a beautiful cross-country skiing trail during winter. They cut back shrubs, build bridges and put the signs in place. During wintertime, they work according to the weather conditions: If it snows during the night, they prepare the trail in the early morning hours. In spring, the snow gets softer and the work on the trail can start only in the evening. Much more manual work is required when there’s only a little bit of snow, rather than when there’s a lot. René Burkhard gets help, especially from his family. The younger generation loves to help him and are already learning how to drive a snowcat.
During an excellent winter season, such as 2012/13, the Diemtigtal cross-country skiing trail can stay open up to 113 days. However, in other seasons, for example in 2010/11, there were much fewer. The trail was open only on 26 days.
René works as a carpenter at the Schreinerei Wüthrig AG in Schwenden. It’s only thanks to the flexibility of his employer and the help of volunteers and his family that he’s able to maintain the high standards of the cross-country skiing trail. René’s very grateful for their support and also the land owner’s goodwill, offering their land to the cross-country skiers free of charge. Paying for the use of the land simply wouldn’t be financially viable for the association.
Further information (only in German): > Verein Loipe Diemtigtal (Diemtigtal cross-country skiing trail association)