Copenhill

TrainingDay #130 | Copenhill, Denmark

Why build just a waste-treatment plant when you could build a waste-treatment plant that ALSO doubles as a man-made ski-slope? That’s the thinking here in Copenhagen, and it’s brilliant. Even though this is technically my off-week, I went and got in an easy and thoroughly entertaining 1000’ of climbing today at Copenhill, a ski slope located just outside of Copenhagen. In addition to hosting an all-season ski park, a lift, and a set of stairs for hikers and runners, the facilities also include a restaurant on its top and the world’s largest climbing wall on its side. In its belly is buried the city’s garbage—which continuously gets burned and turned into energy.

I’ve done my fair share of oddball activities to support my elevation gain habit, but this one takes the Danish. And to be honest, I really needed this; it’s been a long and darkly depressing training block, and Copenhill offered an injection of whimsey and variety that’s been sorely lacking as of late.