Schwarzwald Cup in Schonach: Nordic combined in the Black Forest

• The Schwarzwald Cup is a Nordic combined competition in Schonach.
• The joint event began in 1967 as the Schonach/Neukirch International Ski Competitions.
• Since 1971, SC Schonach has organised the event on its own.
• The Schwarzwald Cup has been part of the Nordic combined World Cup since 1984.
• Nordic combined brings ski jumping and cross-country skiing into one overall result.
• The trophy was designed by Schonach sculptor Klaus Ringwald.

The Schwarzwald Cup reflects Schonach's long association with Nordic combined. In 1967, the SZ Brend and SC Schonach clubs jointly organised the “Schonach/Neukirch International Ski Competitions”. The first event was won by Germany's Edi Lengg. Four years later, SC Schonach took over the event alone. It became known as the “International Nordic Combined for the Schwarzwald Cup”.

Since 1984, the race has been part of the World Cup in Nordic combined, whose international competitions are organised by the FIS. A joint winter-sports event run by two clubs thus developed into a regular fixture on the international calendar. Unlike purely Alpine races, Nordic combined brings together two disciplines: athletes first jump from the hill, then compete on a cross-country course. Results from both parts contribute to the overall standings, so jumping and skiing together determine the placing.

The cup itself also tells a local story. Schonach sculptor Klaus Ringwald designed it as a bronze cast decorated with ornaments and set with mountain crystals. The original was donated by Ernst Schmieder as a perpetual trophy. Each year's winner receives a smaller replica. From 1972 to 1985, there was also a junior competition with its own trophy, likewise designed by Ringwald. In 1979, Volksbank Triberg commissioned a new winner's trophy, designed by Wolfgang Beyer. These details make the Schwarzwald Cup not only a race title but also part of the region's design culture.

Nordic combined remains a distinct format: precision on the hill and speed on the trail both count. Since 1984, the Schwarzwald Cup has been among the international winter sports events on the World Cup calendar.