Mental Training at the Skywalk Oberstdorf
Mental Training for Teams at the Ski Jump Stadium Oberstdorf
Where Olympic ski jumpers train their mental strength, executives learn stress competence and resilience under authentic conditions. Using the DSV mental techniques from elite sports that Peter Tümmers taught to Sven Hannawald and Martin Schmitt for Olympic success — translated into your leadership reality.
Voices from Mental Training:
A Day That Resonates Mentally
Mental Training at the Skywalk is more than a workshop — it is a complete learning journey from knowledge through practice to personal anchoring. What you take away here will carry you through every critical leadership situation.
Indoor & Outdoor 50/50
Three progressive phases following ICO-EBT logic: indoor introduction in the Ski Legends Room (impulse presentation "Mental Strength" with aha exercises), outdoor practice (Experienced Based Training on the high ropes, Energy Tree, and high trapeze), and indoor evaluation (activation for the current business situation). Led by Peter Tümmers + 2 co-trainers.
What Your Team Takes Away:
Complete mental toolbox for stress management, concentration, and self-leadership — trained on 3 resilience axes: short-term (dissolve stress patterns with breathing/anchors), medium-term (fill energy reserves, close "open loops"), long-term (plan life phases meaningfully — tool from elite sports). Plus personal Skywalk logbook for structured transfer.
Concept Flexibility:
Full-day to multi-day, with or without personal one-on-one coaching by Peter Tümmers. Upon request, we can add a ski jump tour, catering at the Erdinger Sportalp, or a champagne reception in the glass ski jump tower at 40 meters height. Investment starting at €5,500 for the group (including 3 facilitators).
For Every Occasion:
Mental Training at the Skywalk works as an executive retreat, resilience workshop, strategy day, or coaching retreat — especially for "Determined Moments" (board presentations, critical employee conversations, difficult negotiations). Ideal for executive teams, senior managers, and high performers in turbulent times and change processes who want to handle the stress-amplifying patterns of digitalization with confidence.
Sample Agenda — A Typical Mental Training Day:
This agenda shows a classic schedule — individually adaptable to your objectives, group size, and selected modules.
from 9:00 AM
Start: Meeting point ORLEN Arena · Welcome by Peter Tümmers and the 2 co-trainers
9:15 – 11:30 AM
Indoor 1: Impulse Presentation “Mental Strength” in the Ski Legends Room: How the brain works (analytical brain / emotional brain / reptilian brain) · 3 mental tools + aha exercises
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Outdoor 1: EBT Practice at the Starting Bar of the large ski jump: visualization, focus, inner voice under real height exposure
12:30 – 1:45 PM
Break: Lunch at the Erdinger Sportalp with informal reflection
1:45 – 3:30 PM
Outdoor 2: EBT Practice High Ropes Course: Energy Tree (“Remain confident under pressure and at great height”) + partner exercise high trapeze (“Establish a stable foundation together under pressure and on shaky ground”)
3:30 – 4:30 PM
Indoor 2: Structured Evaluation in the athlete area: translation of experiences to the current business situation · Personal Skywalk logbook · Transfer plan
from 4:30 PM
Closing: Carabiner Handover by the ICO trainers · Farewell (or transition to AirBnB by ICO for multi-day events)
Indoor and outdoor phases are exactly 50/50 distributed — which methodologically distinguishes the mental training from the stress competence module (pure outdoor quick win). For multi-day programs, we deepen with individual coaching, stress profile diagnostics, and expanded EBT sequences.
The 5 Stations of Your Mental Training Day:
Your team goes through 5 mentally focused stations at the ORLEN Arena. Each station is accompanied by Peter Tümmers or a qualified ICO trainer. Stations can be shortened or deepened as needed.
- A: Theory Introduction in the Ski Legends Room (Elite Sports Methods)
- B: EBT at the Starting Bar of the Large Ski Jump (Visualization, Focus, Inner Voice)
- C: EBT Exercise "Energy Tree" ("Remain Confident Under Pressure and at Great Height")
- D: EBT Exercise "High Trapeze" ("Establish Stable Foundation Under Pressure" — Partner Exercise)
- E: Structured Evaluation in the Athlete Area (Transfer to Business Reality, Skywalk Logbook)
Plan Team Event Together:
Andre Barth
Skywalk Project Administration
Indoor → Outdoor → Indoor: The ICO-EBT Principle
Mental Training at the Skywalk follows a proven learning arc — from theory from elite sports through physical practice on the high ropes to structured anchoring. Three phases in which knowledge becomes ability.
Indoor Introduction "Mental Strength"
In the Ski Legends Room, Peter Tümmers teaches how the brain works (analytical brain · emotional brain · reptilian brain) and the 3 mental tools (breathing · anchors · inner images) — with aha exercises that make the learning immediately tangible. Theory that reaches the body.
Outdoor: EBT at Height
The mental techniques are activated in experience-based outdoor exercises under real exposure: Energy Tree (remain confident under pressure and at great height) and high trapeze (establish a stable foundation together under pressure and on shaky ground). What works in the mind only proves itself where it counts.
Indoor Evaluation: Activation for Daily Life
In the original athlete area, you document your personal insights in the Skywalk logbook and develop a concrete transfer plan for the current business situation. Plus: carabiner handover as a symbolic anchor for sustainable professional life.
The 3 Modules of Mental Training in Detail
At the legendary ski jump stadium of the ORLEN Arena Oberstdorf, we train with your executives what usually only Olympians do before the decisive jump: focus, stress control, and mental confidence. A day’s journey from elite sports to business reality — led by Peter Tümmers, former DSV Olympic mental trainer.
Ski Jump Workshop
Theory from elite sports. Peter Tümmers, as former DSV Olympic mental trainer, teaches concentration routines, pre-start visualization, and stress control — the mental tools with which Hannawald and Schmitt achieved Olympic success.
Practice at the original location. The ascent via the ceramic track of the large ski jump and the moment on the starting bar turn mental techniques into physical experience. Those who stand up there learn to navigate their own inner voice.
Transfer to leadership reality. Each technique is linked with concrete business examples — turning ski jump knowledge into an applicable mental toolkit for every critical leadership moment.
Conference in the Ski Legends Room or Glass Tower HS 137
Reflection in legendary spaces. In the Ski Legends Room with historical exhibits or in the glass ski jump tower HS 137 at 40 meters height, you document your insights — in an atmosphere that turns reflection into anchoring.
Structured Skywalk Logbook. Personal notes, transfer plans, and insight anchors — the logbook accompanies you from the event into professional life. Past participants still use it months later as a personal coach.
5 rooms to choose from. From the intimate Heini Klopfer Room (15 people) to the Ski Legends Hall (50 people) — we select the room that fits your objectives. With Erdinger Sportalp as catering and break location directly in the stadium.
Experienced Based Training in the High Ropes Course
Mental theory becomes physical experience. ICO has worked with Experienced Based Training (EBT) for 30 years — we select 3 of about 15 possible exercises to match your objectives. In the ground course (swamp bridge, diamond pond), you train clear thinking under time pressure; in the team high course, self-regulation on the high ropes becomes a lived experience.
Signature Exercise Energy Tree (10 m height): “Remain confident under pressure and at great height.” In this ground-air element, you climb step by step to height — practical application of breathing technique and moments-of-excellence anchor in real time. Those who can breathe up here will also breathe in the next critical meeting.
Signature Exercise High Trapeze (partner exercise): “Establish a stable foundation together under pressure and on shaky ground.” Two participants keep each other in balance. Trust becomes physical, communication vital. After each exercise follows moderated small-group reflection for structured transfer.
Add-ons for Your Individual Mental Training
Each mental training can be expanded with tailored add-ons — from individual coaching with Peter Tümmers to the deepening logbook to the exclusive champagne reception in the glass tower. Choose from proven extensions — we coordinate everything for you.
Add-On 1
Personal Coaching with Peter Tümmers
Individual 1:1 coaching sessions with Peter Tümmers as a supplement to the group program. Ideal for C-level executives or high performers with specific mental topics. Bookable as 60-, 90-, or 120-minute slots directly after the workshop or as a separate appointment.
Highlights:
- 1:1 COACHING WITH FORMER DSV MENTAL TRAINER
- FOR C-LEVEL AND HIGH PERFORMERS
- FLEXIBLE APPOINTMENTS 60/90/120 MINUTES
- CONFIDENTIAL CONVERSATIONS IN THE GLASS TOWER
- OPTIONAL: FOLLOW-UP COACHING AFTER THE EVENT
Add-On 2
Personal Skywalk Logbook
2 in 1: Personal Skywalk logbook (high-quality hardcover, structured for mental techniques, insights, and transfer plans) + stress profile diagnostics in advance (2-4 weeks before the event, with self-/external assessment). This way, your big event is prepared, conducted, and followed up — a true learning journey instead of a one-day impulse.
Highlights:
- HIGH-QUALITY HARDCOVER LOGBOOK
- TEAM STRESS PROFILE
- "RIGHT PERSON, RIGHT PLACE" as a trainable format
- TRANSFER PLAN FOR DAILY LIFE
- POST-EVENT SUPPORT OVER MONTHS
Add-On 3
Catering Erdinger Sportalp
Directly in the stadium, the Erdinger Sportalp awaits you — a cozy alpine hut with a special view of the ski jump. Regional delicacies, international dishes, and freshly tapped beer make your breaks an experience within the experience. Available upon request as coffee break, lunch, or champagne reception.
Highlights:
- REGIONAL DELICACIES & SNACKS
- INTERNATIONAL DISHES
- FRESHLY TAPPED BEER & MULLED WINE
- COFFEE BREAK, LUNCH, CHAMPAGNE RECEPTION
- DIRECTLY IN THE SKI JUMP STADIUM
Add-On 4
Carabiner Handover
Each participant receives a personally presented ICO carabiner at the end — a symbol of mental confidence, self-leadership, and overcome boundaries. A small piece of metal that keeps the mental experience present far beyond the event day and becomes a daily anchor.
Highlights:
- PERSONAL PRESENTATION BY ICO TRAINER
- SYMBOL OF MENTAL CONFIDENCE
- DAILY ANCHOR IN PROFESSIONAL LIFE
- ANCHORS THE MENTAL KNOWLEDGE
Multi-Day Mental Training? AirBnB by ICO Makes It Possible.
Are you planning a two-day program with mental training + individual coaching sessions? Then stay longer — in our AirBnB by ICO directly at the ICO Center Bihlerdorf. Fully equipped kitchen, fireplace, mountain view, and direct logistical connection to the ORLEN Arena Oberstdorf make your stay an experience.
- Up to 6 people on 45m² ground floor
- Fully equipped kitchen, fireplace, and terrace with mountain view
- Direct connection to outdoor team activities
Andre Barth
Skywalk Project Administration
Complete Mental Concept to Take Away
Two complementary concept documents — the Ski Jump Workshop as a concrete Skywalk booking concept and the ICO Methods Manual (originally developed for the German National Whitewater Team, now also used in business) as a deeper insight into the methodological toolbox. This method set was originally developed by ICO for the German National Whitewater Team — elite sports knowledge that we now also use in executive programs.
Included in the Methods Manual:
- STRESS COMPETENCE MODEL (according to Exner & Tümmers)
- HELI RESOURCE ANCHOR (Confident Under Pressure)
- MENTAL FIRST AID KIT (Breathing, Separator Techniques)
- ENNEAGRAM TYPOLOGY (Head/Heart/Gut)
- GANDHI FORMAT (Confident Leadership 1-2-3)
- PERSONAL POTENTIAL PLAN to take away
- COMFORT ZONE MODEL
- STRESS AUTOPILOTS
- STRESS-AMPLIFYING PATTERNS
- SEPARATOR TECHNIQUE
- PERSONALITY TYPOLOGIES
Direct Contact:
Who Leads the Mental Training?
The big event is conducted in the standard setup with 3 trainers: Peter Tümmers as lead trainer and methodological architect (30 years of Olympic national team experience, former DSV mental trainer of Hannawald & Schmitt) + 2 qualified co-trainers (ICO outdoor trainer training, high ropes/mountain guide/canyoning qualifications) for outdoor practice and small-group coaching. This ensures intensive support even for larger groups — the experience level of an Olympic preparation team.
What Happens Outdoors?
Outdoors, we work with Experienced Based Training (EBT) — 3 of about 15 possible exercises, tailored to your objectives. Signature exercises: Energy Tree (“Remain confident under pressure and at great height” — 10 m ground-air element with breathing technique and anchor activation) and high trapeze (“Establish stable foundation under pressure” — partner exercise on shaky ground). After each exercise follows moderated small-group reflection for structured transfer.
How Do We Respond to Digital Stress Amplifiers?
The agile work environment amplifies chronic stress. Which “stress-amplifying patterns” does the dark side of digitalization trigger? We train on three levels: Stress & me (early detection, prevention) · Stress & us (recognize digital stress amplifiers, close “energy drains”/open loops) · Stress & leadership (principles for self-directed teams — “From stressed team to self-directed team”).
Frequently Asked Questions
Classic coaching takes place in the office — with us, you learn mental techniques in the original setting (ski jump stadium) with indoor/outdoor 50/50 and EBT exercises on the high ropes. This makes the anchoring many times more intense.
Peter Tümmers von Schoenebeck personally as lead trainer (former DSV Olympic mental trainer of Sven Hannawald and Martin Schmitt) + 2 qualified co-trainers for outdoor practice.
No. All outdoor stations are possible at any fitness level. Height exposure is voluntary — everyone decides for themselves how far they go.
Optimal 6–15 people per trainer team. For larger teams, we work with an expanded trainer setup in parallel.
Not for the big event — the outdoor phase is the core of the EBT concept. If you only want indoor, we recommend a classic coaching day without Skywalk practice.
Typically a full day (9:00 AM – 4:30 PM). Multi-day programs deepen with individual coaching and expanded EBT sequences — combinable with accommodation at the AirBnB by ICO.
Investment starting at €5,500 for the group plus VAT (including Peter Tümmers + 2 co-trainers, indoor/outdoor program, impulse presentation, equipment, planning). Travel costs and hotel separate.
Yes — mental confidence is industry-independent effective. References from Siemens Healthineers, Mercedes-Benz, Burda, and many other corporations.
Half the time in the conference room (impulse presentation "Mental Strength", aha exercises, structured evaluation), half outdoors on the high ropes (EBT exercises). The combination of theory + physical experience + reflection makes the impact more intense than classic coaching. This is the ICO-EBT principle for 30 years in Olympic preparation.
EBT = Experienced Based Training (experience-based outdoor exercises). Classic signature exercises: Energy Tree ("Remain confident under pressure and at great height" — 10 m, with breathing technique and anchor activation) and high trapeze ("Establish stable foundation under pressure" — partner exercise on shaky ground). We select 3 of about 15 possible exercises tailored to your objectives.
We work in parallel on three time axes: (1) Short-term — dissolve stress patterns with breathing, anchors, and self-talk · (2) Medium-term — fill energy reserves, identify and close "open loops" · (3) Long-term — plan life phases meaningfully, with tool from elite sports for top performance. This way, you remain confident in the short term, capable in the medium term, and fulfilled in the long term.
The agile work environment amplifies chronic stress. We train on three levels: Stress & me (early detection) · Stress & us (recognize digital stress amplifiers + close "energy drains") · Stress & leadership (principles for self-directed teams). From stressed team to self-directed team as a methodological goal.
2–4 weeks before the event, we create, upon request, personality and stress profiles of your participants with self- and external assessment. This creates transparency for collaboration and makes "Right Person, Right Place" a trainable reality. Ideal for high-potential teams and strategic retreats. Standard in the add-on "Logbook + Stress Profile Diagnostics".
The decisive moments — before the board presentation, in the critical employee conversation, in the difficult negotiation. Precisely for these moments, we train the mental tools. The big event translates them into routines that work from day 1.
Breaking out of the daily hamster wheel is rarely realistic — acting confidently within it is. That's exactly what the big event teaches: not less stress, but more conscious control. Those who understand their own activation system navigate the hamster wheel instead of being driven by it.