In the Lower Saxony mountain district of Harz in Germany there is a sleepy little town called Braunlage. Sleepy, that is, except for one period in the year when the hills around Braunlage become the exciting setting for one of the region’s most famous sporting and cultural events known as the ‘Nacktrodeln’ (Naked Sledging).
Once again our German friends are working on new, innovative sporting nominations for the Winter Olympics and it looks as if in Braunlage they may have hit upon a massive hit.
The event has been staged since 2009 and has been steadily growing in popularity. This reached a climax (sorry!) this year with the introduction of the ladies naked sledging competition. The competition attracted 25,000 spectators in February 2012 – this is about five times the population of Braunlage! Clearly this immense popularity put considerable pressure on the local logistics infrastructure with many spectators stranded in traffic jams for hours before they could get a glimpse of their favourite naked sledgeling (or is the right word for a lady sledger a ‘sledgetant’?).
As a result, despite huge disappointment from the fans the event which is normally held in February has been put on ice for 2013. The authorities simply could not guarantee safety without additional investment in the HSE and logistics infrastructure.
If you would like to read about this decision in German please use the link here – however please be warned the German newspaper includes a photograph of some of the contestants in their sporting attire: yes they wear safety helmets but not much else. Some contestants were showing off more flesh than I would normally condone in this highly respectable alpine news and culture site. We must however acknowledge the slightly more liberal approach to freedom of expression enjoyed by our friends in Germany. ChrisDuggleby.com is a site which encourages cultural diversity and inclusion.
Until the competition returns viewers will have to satisfy themselves with the videos prepared by the local radio station 89.0 RTL. Their Naked Sledging Hymn can be found here.
There are several other videos available!
If you get snow this winter you might want to consider observing the techniques used by the professional nacktrodellers and put these into practice when you are out sledging with friends. If you can perfect your technique ready for when Braunlage reopens for winter sports you could be up there claiming your rightful place on the podium.
Needless to say in the Alps we do not like to outdone by middle Germania – so here is a little video of the Alpine equivalent of Naked Sledging in which flimsy northern lingerie are replaced by our more robust traditional lederhosen (but little else). Clearly these chaps are in touch with their cultural roots:
Whatever happens please do not forget your helmet!
Happy Winter Sports,
Chris Duggleby.
If you are interested in reading my other health focused articles try the following
Torture In The Shower – Face and Body Soap Allergies – Main Suspect: Pears Transparent Soap
Toxic Chemicals in Sex Toys – 18 Vibrators, Cock Rings, Love Balls Tested – Only 3 Get All Clear
My T-shirt Made Me Sick – Textile Allergies – Sinusitis From Your Underwear
Chris Duggleby 