Cross country skiing near Heidelberg

I am moving to Heidelberg this winter and I am trying to decide if I should bring my cross country skiing (skate skiing) gear.

Are there any groomed ski areas that close to HD? How long is the "season" in the area? I've heard that the snow levels are sometimes very bad. Do you have to go to the Alps to get good snow?

Thanks

Hi and welcome,

there are some Langlauf trails in the Odenwald - in four main areas - they are marked on the local hiking maps.

http://www.naturpark-neckartal-odenwald.de/index.php?id=67

Don't be fooled by the pictures, though - snow like this is the exception, rather than the rule. Many of the trails are in forest so you need good snow and extended cold to keep them usable. I've seen good conditions one year in four - usually in January.

Good news, though, is that you can get to more reliable areas within two or three hours by car. I'll let the Schwarzwald TTers comment on those.