Monte Kaolino, Sand tailings mound in Hirschau, Bavaria, Germany
Monte Kaolino is a pale sand mound in Hirschau, about 100 metres above the surrounding land and 532 metres above sea level, built from some 35 million tonnes of quartz sand left over from kaolin mining. A broad track runs diagonally up its slope, and low vegetation and trees line the crest.
The mound has grown since 1935, when the Amberg Kaolin Works began piling quartz sand left over from kaolin extraction; it now holds about 35 million tonnes and still rises as sand is conveyed onto its north slope. In 1956 a ski club formed after locals tried skiing on the sand, and in 1957 the slope's use for sand skiing was recognised. The 2007 renovation replaced the 1959 pool and renewed the leisure grounds.
The name Monte Kaolino is a joke combining the Italian word monte (mountain) with kaolin. Sand skiing began here in 1957, and the 260 m piste at about 35 degrees hosts international sand-ski and sandboard championships. Since 2007 the SandSpirit competition has been held each July.
The site offers lodging, dining, and a water park alongside the sand skiing slopes. Visitors should plan according to the season and weather conditions, as sand conditions can vary.
You can actually ski on real sand instead of snow here, which is possible at only a few places worldwide. This unusual activity works best under dry conditions when the kaolin sand has the right consistency.
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