Many German children live in or near Alpine ski resorts and cold, snowy winters mean that they can spend winter holidays perfecting the art of skiing.
Can you guess the meanings of these German words?
Skiort
Skilift
Skijacke
Skistiefel
A Skiort is a place where you can go skiing. It is usually a mountain village next to a series of snow covered slopes with a network of lifts connecting the slopes. You will usually find busy mountain cafés selling tasty hot snacks and warming drinks, and shops offering a range of ski equipment and clothes. One of the most famous German ski resorts is Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Bavaria.
If you want to get to the top of a ski slope, carrying a pair of heavy skis, the best way to get there is on a Skilift. There are cable cars, chair lifts, poma lifts and gondolas. A poma is a special disc which you put between your legs and sit on while it pulls you up the mountainside. Excellent fun!
No self-respecting skier would venture down a ski slope without a decent Skijacke and a sturdy pair of Skistiefel. Although the Skistiefel are difficult to walk in, they are comfortable and protective when skiing and probably prevent many broken bones. A Skijacke is warm and waterproof and will keep your top half dry when you fall over into a pile of snow. Which everyone does.
Germans are enthusiastic skiers and love the party atmosphere you get at lively ski resorts. They are welcoming and friendly places where you can relax in good company and spend time outside, getting plenty of fresh air and exercise. If you ever get the chance, have a go!
