Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about ICO ImpulseConsult Oberstdorf

Three things: First, the ICO EmpowerSystem® — certified across Europe, used at Daimler, and taught at universities. It combines agile methods (Scrum, Kanban, Design Thinking) with stable line processes — a methodology we call "ambidexterity". Second, our unique blend of experience: ICO founder Peter Tümmers von Schoenebeck was the DSV Olympic mental coach for Sven Hannawald and Martin Schmitt before advising corporations such as Daimler, Mercedes-Benz, and IBM — he knows high performance from both sides. Third, our way of working: situational rather than one-size-fits-all, with hands-on implementation instead of just PowerPoint, in the Allgäu as a learning lab rather than sterile conference hotels. Our fixed meeting point in the Allgäu is the ICO Center in Bihlerdorf near Oberstdorf — every collaboration with ICO ImpulseConsult starts from here.

The ICO ImpulseConsult Oberstdorf GmbH was founded by Peter Tümmers von Schoenebeck — sociologist, former DSV Olympic mental coach, and Certified Management Consultant (CMC/BDU). His Wikipedia entry and profiles in GEO Wissen, FAZ, ARD, and ZDF document over 30 years of consulting and training practice. Today, the ICO team is complemented by more than 50 certified trainers (mountain guides, raft guides, canyon guides, high ropes course trainers) as well as a senior consultant network and office management. For Skywalk events, Andre Barth is your direct contact as project coordinator.

The ICO EmpowerSystem® is a Europe-wide certified management concept for agile-stable transformation. It combines agile methods (Scrum, Kanban, Design Thinking) with stabilising approaches — creating a self-learning organisation that can handle both complexity and speed. We call this principle ambidexterity (two-handedness). Daimler uses the EmpowerSystem® across Europe as a leadership tool; Kempten University of Applied Sciences rated it as "outstanding in terms of implementation strength" in an empirical study. The ICO EmpowerSystem® has been registered as a trademark with the European Union Intellectual Property Office since 2012.

For both. Our clients range from corporate giants such as Daimler, Mercedes-Benz, IBM, Audi, Roland Berger, and Hubert Burda Media to family-run small and medium-sized businesses and regional savings banks. Top-tier sports organizations (the German Ski Association and the national whitewater rafting team) have also been among our clients for years. The methodology remains the same—we tailor its application to the size, industry, and maturity level of your organization.

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The core team consists of Peter Tümmers von Schoenebeck (CEO + Head Consultant), a handful of senior consultants, and office management with Andre Barth as Skywalk project coordinator. The team is supplemented by a network of over 50 certified ICO trainers with triple qualification: academic (business, psychology, sociology), psychological (NLP, systemic coaching, alternative practitioner for psychotherapy), and outdoor-certified (mountain guides, raft guides, canyon guides, high ropes course trainers). We deploy these trainers depending on project requirements.

Questions about ICO services

Change OD (organisational development) works at the organisational level: transformation, crisis management, vision and mission — with the ICO EmpowerSystem® as the methodological framework. Leadership PD (people development) works at the leadership level: coaching, mental training/resilience, and charisma development. Teambuilding works at the team level: keynote speaking, communication and conflict training, as well as experience-based outdoor modules in the Allgäu and Skywalk events in Oberstdorf. The three areas interlock — many clients combine them as a multi-stage programme.

Non-binding and free of charge. You send us an enquiry via the contact form or call us directly on +49 8321 87033. We arrange an initial meeting (by phone, video, or on site) — usually 30–45 minutes. We clarify your starting point, your goals, and the right mix of methods. You then receive a concrete proposal with content, duration, investment framework, and logistics. Only then do you make a binding decision.

Yes — many of our programmes are in-house formats: ICO trainers come to your location (throughout Germany and internationally). The advantages: shorter travel for your team, a familiar environment, direct relevance to day-to-day work, and easier integration into ongoing processes. In-house is mainly booked by corporations and larger SMEs. For experience-based outdoor and Skywalk modules, the Allgäu location is part of the concept — in that case, you travel to us.

German, English, and French. Peter Tümmers von Schoenebeck is a visiting lecturer at universities in Germany and France; ICO trainers have international experience in Germany, France, the UK, Belgium, and Switzerland. We regularly deliver programmes for international teams (e.g. Roland Berger Junior Consultants) in multiple languages. Additional languages (Spanish, Italian) are available on request via our network.

From a one-day impulse to multi-year support — you decide. Common formats:

  • One-day impulse (e.g. keynote, workshop) — 4–8 hours
  • Intensive format — 2–3 days, often with an overnight stay
  • Modular programme — several modules spread over 3–12 months
  • Process support — multi-year, with individually scheduled measures (e.g. Daimler transformation projects)

We will be pleased to advise you on which format best fits your objectives.

Questions about the Skywalk modules & team activities

The ICO Skywalk is a high ropes course and training centre between the ski jumping hills of the ORLEN Arena Oberstdorf (formerly Audi Arena) — the traditional stadium of the Four Hills Tournament. Peter Tümmers built the Skywalk himself. It includes ground courses (Mohawk Walk, trust bridge), team high courses at 4–12 metres, and sky courses at 30 metres (Big Flying Fox, Giant Swing). Address: WM Skisprung Arena, Am Faltenbach 27, 87561 Oberstdorf. A globally unique learning space for teambuilding, mental training, and ski jumping events.

Peter Tümmers von Schoenebeck provides the methodological leadership — as a former DSV Olympic mental coach and creator of the Skywalk concept. Andre Barth coordinates the Skywalk projects and is your direct contact for planning and booking (+49 8321 87033 · andre.barth@ico-oberstdorf.com). The stations are supported by certified ICO trainers with high ropes course, mountain guide, or canyon qualifications — depending on the event format, 1–3 trainers per group.

No. Most Skywalk modules are possible at any fitness level. In the climbing park, each participant decides how far to go — the ground course works without any height risk, and the high ropes course is secured. For the ski jumping workshop, the only prerequisite is the ability to ski a blue run safely on alpine skis. Minimum height for the ski jumping workshop: 150 cm. Hill tubing and the ski jumper experience can be booked without any athletic prerequisites.

Most of them, yes. The climbing park can be booked from April to October (weather-dependent). Hill tubing runs year-round — on mats in summer and on snow in winter. Ski jumper experience and meetings at the ICO Skywalk are possible year-round. The ski jumping workshop takes place on set dates in winter/spring. Bad weather rarely leads to cancellations — in the event of thunderstorms or storms, we move to our Skywalk meeting rooms.

Schanzengaudi focuses on action, competition, and fun — ideal as an incentive, kick-off, or team event. Six stations (ski jumper experience, high ropes course, hill tubing, diamond hunt), a one-team ritual, and carabiner handover. Mental training at the Skywalk is a complete learning journey on stress competence and resilience — led personally by Peter Tümmers, with indoor/outdoor 50/50 (theory talk, EBT exercises on the high ropes, structured debrief). Different target group, different learning objective, different depth. Both formats last a full day.

Questions about booking services

For Skywalk events and training, submit an enquiry via the contact form or call Andre Barth directly on +49 8321 87033. We will discuss objectives, group size, preferred date, and format. You will then receive a concrete offer by email. Your written confirmation makes the booking binding. For the ski jumping workshop for private individuals, there is also direct online registration on the ski jumping workshop page — alternatively as a fillable PDF to send in.

Yes, depending on the format. For the ski jumping workshop, the minimum number of participants is 6 people — if this is not met, we reserve the right to cancel the event up to 5 days before it starts. For outdoor activities and Skywalk modules, the minimum is usually 6 people. Larger groups (20+) are split into small teams per trainer to ensure learning quality. There is no minimum for individual coaching sessions.

Yes — corporate bookings are our core business. We support groups from 6 to over 200 people. For large groups, we organise multiple trainer teams in parallel and, if desired, also handle transfers, catering, and accommodation as an agency service. Typical corporate bookings include strategy offsites, leadership programmes, sales kick-offs, employee events, or apprentice training.

The earlier, the better. For larger programmes and Skywalk events with catering/overnight stay, we recommend at least 4–6 weeks' lead time. We can often schedule spontaneous consultations and smaller workshops within 1–2 weeks. In peak season (May–July, October–November) and during the Four Hills Tournament (January), some dates are fully booked up to 6 months in advance — please enquire early.

Questions about the ICO AirBNB accommodation

The AirBnB by ICO is our own holiday apartment right next to the ICO Center Bihlerdorf (Im Wasen 16, 87544 Blaichach) — ideal for multi-day ICO programmes and Skywalk events.

Key facts:

  • 45 m² ground-floor apartment for up to 6 people
  • Fully equipped kitchen (oven, dishwasher, coffee machine, all cooking utensils)
  • Fireplace for cosy evenings
  • Terrace with mountain views of the Allgäu Alps
  • Direct logistical access to the ORLEN Arena Oberstdorf (approx. 25 min by car), the ICO Outdoor Center on the Iller, and the ICO Center Bihlerdorf

What makes the location special:

  • Perfect for a 2-day Schanzengaudi, mental training at the Skywalk + reflection day, or multi-day outdoor modules
  • Your own outdoor equipment can be stored directly (ski boots, helmets, neoprene)
  • Short distances between accommodation, briefing room, and event location
  • Self-catering mode with fresh Allgäu products from the region

AirBnB by ICO is more than just accommodation — it is the logistical anchor for intensive ICO experiences. If you stay here, you are right in the middle of it, not just on the sidelines.

The daily rates vary by season (summer/winter, weekday/weekend, regional peak periods such as the Four Hills Tournament). You can find the current prices directly on our AirBnB page (direct link on every Skywalk and locations page). If you book as part of an ICO programme (e.g. Schanzengaudi + overnight stay + reflection day), we will provide a package price offer — usually cheaper than individual bookings. Please speak to us about your individual setup.

Yes — of course. AirBnB by ICO is open to all guests via the regular AirBnB booking channels. Particularly popular:

  • Skiing in the Allgäu (Oberstdorf, Söllereck, Fellhorn — all within 20–30 minutes by car)
  • Hiking and mountain biking (Iller cycle path right outside the door, Allgäu Alps)
  • Family holiday (45 m² for up to 6 people, child-friendly facilities)
  • Four Hills Tournament visits (direct access to the ORLEN Arena Oberstdorf)

→ You do not need to be an ICO client to stay here.

As early as possible. AirBnB by ICO is a single apartment with high demand:

  • Peak season (December–March for winter sports, May–October for outdoor): 2–6 months' lead time recommended
  • Four Hills Tournament period (late Dec/early Jan): fully booked up to 12 months in advance
  • Off-season (November, April): often available at short notice
  • Minimum stay: typically 2 nights

→ Book directly via AirBnB (instant confirmation) or via the ICO contact form as part of a programme package.

Questions about prices and payment options

The price range is broad — depending on format, group size, duration, and add-ons:

  • Outdoor activities (canyoning, igloo building, GPS tour): from €49 p.p.
  • Skywalk modules (climbing park, hill tubing): from €69–129 p.p.
  • Ski jumping workshop for private individuals: €195 p.p.
  • Big events (Schanzengaudi, teambuilding at the Skywalk): from €5,500 per group
  • Mental training at the Skywalk with Peter Tümmers: from €5,500 per group
  • In-house consulting programmes: individual offer

We will be happy to provide you with a concrete offer at any time upon request.

We accept bank transfer to our account at Sparkasse Allgäu. You will receive the invoice by email after the service has been provided (or, in the case of a deposit, before the event). Payment term: 14 days net, unless agreed otherwise. For corporations and larger bookings, individual payment arrangements (deposit + final payment, instalments) are possible.

Yes — of course. You will receive a full invoice in accordance with Section 14 of the German VAT Act (UStG) with your address, service date, VAT shown (7% or 19%, depending on the service), and all relevant tax information. All prices on the website are plus statutory VAT, unless stated otherwise. For the ski jumping workshop for private individuals, VAT is already included in the stated price.

On request, gladly. For groups of 30+ participants and for regular clients (e.g. Daimler programmes over several years), we offer individual conditions. Combinations of multiple modules (e.g. Schanzengaudi + meeting + AirBnB overnight stay) are also cheaper as a package. Please speak to us about your overall volume — we will make you a suitable offer.

Questions about dates & cancellations

Our cancellation scale (applies to most formats; different rules may apply in the individual offer):

Time of cancellation Share of the contract amount
From written booking 20%
From 8 weeks before the event starts 30%
From 4 weeks before the event starts 50%
From 2 weeks before the event starts 80%
From 2 days before the event starts 100%

In cases of force majeure (pandemic, extreme weather, etc.), we offer alternative programmes or rebookings. For details, see the Terms and Conditions.

Outdoor activities take place in almost any weather — please bring rain gear. Exceptions: In the event of thunderstorms or storms, plans are changed for safety reasons. For the high ropes course and Skywalk activities, we move to the Skywalk meeting rooms in critical weather conditions or offer alternative modules. For the ski jumping workshop and hill tubing in winter, reliable snow conditions are required — if there is an acute lack of snow, we will contact you in good time to reschedule.

Yes — subject to availability. A rescheduling (moving to another date) instead of cancellation is usually free of charge if the request is made in good time (at least 4 weeks before the original date) and the replacement date is within the next 12 months. For short-notice rescheduling, pro-rata cancellation fees may apply. Please contact us early — we can usually find a solution.

We reserve the right to cancel the activity up to 5 days before it starts if the minimum number of participants (usually 6 people) is not reached. In this case, we will refund amounts already paid in full or offer you an alternative date. This clause does not apply to corporate bookings with a fixed group size — in that case, the minimum number of participants is already secured by your booking.

Usually within 24 hours of your enquiry (on business days). For complex programmes with catering, overnight stay, and multiple modules, preparing the offer can take up to 3 business days. For the ski jumping workshop for private individuals, you will receive an immediate confirmation of receipt after submitting the online form and, within 24 hours, the binding booking confirmation with all details.

Getting to the ICO Center & safety in the Allgäu

By car:

  • ICO Center Bihlerdorf (Im Wasen 16, 87544 Blaichach) — take the A7 motorway to the Kempten/Allgäuer Tor exit, then the B19 towards Sonthofen
  • ORLEN Arena Oberstdorf (Am Faltenbach 27, 87561 Oberstdorf) — take the B19 towards Oberstdorf, follow signs for "Schattenberg-Schanze"

By train: ICE/IC to Munich or Ulm, regional train to Sonthofen (approx. 5 minutes from the ICO Center, shuttle on request) or Oberstdorf (approx. 10 minutes to the ORLEN Arena). You will receive detailed directions with the booking confirmation.

Safety is our top priority. All outdoor trainers are certified (mountain guides, raft guides, canyon guides, high ropes course trainers with annual recertification). All safety equipment (climbing harnesses, helmets, wetsuits, life jackets, carabiners) is regularly inspected and complies with current DIN standards. Before every activity, there is a comprehensive safety briefing. The ICO Skywalk is inspected twice a year by an independent expert. Accident/liability insurance is covered via ICO — you are covered by statutory accident insurance (professional) or our organiser's liability insurance (private).

General for all outdoor events:

  • Weather-appropriate layered clothing (waterproof outerwear recommended)
  • Sturdy shoes (hiking boots or sports shoes)
  • A change of clothes in the car
  • Sun protection and sunglasses (in summer)
  • Water bottle

Specific depending on the activity:

  • Ski jumping workshop: Your own ski boots + ski helmet (mandatory — not available on site), ski clothing
  • Water activities: Swimwear under the wetsuit, towel
  • Winter modules: Warm winter clothing, gloves, hat
  • Skywalk high ropes course: Comfortable, close-fitting clothing (no skirts/long scarves)

ICO provides equipment such as climbing harnesses, helmets, wetsuits, snowshoes, boats, etc. You will receive a detailed packing list with the booking confirmation for each format.

We will be happy to answer your individual questions personally

Whether by phone, email, or in a personal consultation: please do not hesitate to contact us.