Denmark opens eco-friendly ski hill that is literally green.
Between its temperate weather, Instagrammable streets and friendly locals, there are plenty of reasons to visit Copenhagen. Now, adventure-loving travelers have another.
The Amager Bakke powerplant, an eco-friendly incinerator that processes trash using low-carbon energy, is also Denmark’s newest ski hill. Dubbed CopenHill, the new modern recreational facility opened October 4 with hiking trails and a fitness center in addition to its rooftop ski slope.
The 1,480-foot slope is covered with green synthetic bristles designed to create the same feeling as a corduroy groomer — but expect a learning curve, warns Kenneth Boggild, secretary general of Ski Federation Denmark.
“It takes typically three runs to adjust your mind to skiing on a green dry surface. It’s very technical,” he told The New York Times. “Wear long sleeves, gloves, long pants and a helmet in case you fall.”
Thankfully, skiers will have a variety of terrain on which to practice their turns. A drag lift allows skiers to choose their level of difficulty: green at the bottom for beginners, intermediate in the middle, and black-diamond terrain at the top. The facility also features three magic carpets for little ones, a freestyle park and slalom course.
To further the hill’s feeling of a true European resort, “CopenHill” will soon feature a rooftop restaurant devoted to Danish fare, a ski rental shop, ski school and après-ski bar.
Designed by Danish architect Bjarke Ingels, the recreation area embodies a citywide commitment to green energy. Copenhagen has announced plans to go carbon-neutral, the first city worldwide to do so, by 2025.
Read More:
Chinese Hotel Group Opens World’s Largest Indoor Ski Area
Luxury Ski Magazine 