Thomas Zipfel, born in Freiburg in 1955, comes from Kirchzarten's well-known cross-country skiing family, whose brothers have won more than 30 German national titles. He is married to Frauke, with whom he has two children: Philipp and Nina.

Coming from the Black Forest region, Zipfel was a professional athlete for many years (several national championships), and still does cross-country skiing as well as mountainbiking with great enthusiasm. But since childhood, his passion besides sports has always been drawing and painting.

Still a resident of Kirchzarten, Thomas Zipfel has been contributing illustrations to daily newspapers, magazines and journals since 1980. The artist's craft has led to the publishing of several books, and Zipfel has received countless awards for his work. This winter, Thomas Zipfel will follow the events on the world's jumping hills exclusively on Berkutschi.com. Internet: http://www.thomaszipfel.de/