BREZOVICA, Kosovo- Skiers, wax up your
skis! The much-anticipated Grand Opening of the Brezovica Ski Resort
will take place soon. The ski lodge, which is situated in the upper
part of the Sara mountain in the Sirinic Valley, is scheduled to open
on December 19 to all KFOR military personnel and KFOR civilians throughout
the Kosovo region. MWR will be sponsoring one-day trips to this Winter
Wonderland, with ski epuipment rental and lessons available for a
small cost.
“This arrangement has two purposes,”
said Major James Crews, Public Affairs Officer for TFF. “First, we
are providing the troops with a way to enjoy a day off. Second, we
are trying to help stimulate the local economy. It is a good one-day
getaway. The soldiers can ski, snowboard, inner tube or just sit around
and watch T.V. in the day room inside the lodge.”
According to Crews, civilian clothes
can be worn, but Kevlar helmets and flack vests must be worn while
on the bus en route. There will be a room provided to store your gear once
you get there, and you can leave your weapon with your unit.
There is also a restaurant there so
everybody can enjoy a hot meal on a cold day. This will be good news to
everybody who is tired of eating MREs or walking to the chow hall
in the freezing cold. The restaurant’s menu contains a diverse selection
of dishes from different places, including soups, sandwiches and hot
dishes. The food prices are moderate as well, ranging from 1.3 DM
for fried trout, to 9 DM for the smoked ham of Dalmatia. (For those
who like to try new things.)
Then there is the skiing. For the avid
skier, there are plenty of snow-covered slopes to challenge your athletic
abilities. For the people that don’t participate in this sport, there
are lessons offered (also at a small cost) and recreational activities
(such as a television and movies) in the day room.
So, whether you are yearning for an
exciting day in the snow, or a quiet, relaxing day away from the military,
run, don’t walk to your nearest Finance Office and grab some Deutsch
Marks (or Euros after January 1). Then head to the MWR and sign up;
these trips are on a first come/first serve basis so don’t wait too
long. Happy trails!!
Prices are as follows:
Lift pass: 15 DM,
Ski school: 10 DM per class,
Ski rental: 10 DM,
Day room: 15 DM,
Total including day room: 50 DM.
Staff Sgt. Michael McCord/photo