Christian Skala

With the Line Chaser combo, Scott is launching a minimalist ski touring outfit onto the market. One special feature is the three-layer DRYOspun fabric, which combines low weight with high functionality. On the other hand, Scott is also focussing on sustainability with this outfit by using recycled and renewable materials. I was able to test whether the advertised properties actually apply in outdoor use.

With the Vega, La Sportiva is launching another interesting freeride touring boot onto the market, which, according to the manufacturer, offers the perfect combination of piste and ski touring boot. This means that the Vega should cater even more to the needs of downhill-orientated ski tourers.

Excellent espresso, sunshine and a landscape to fall in love with - it can only be Italy. Away from the hustle and bustle around the Sella massif, you will find the Roascharte in the Puez-Geisler group in the western Dolomites. We choose the quiet, north-facing ascent, where there are still very good opportunities for powder snow, even quite late in the season.

Devold advertises the Merino Wool Mesh Man underwear combination as an all-rounder: it promises good moisture transport, low weight, high breathability and quick drying paired with odour inhibition. 100% merino wool should also ensure optimum heat regulation.

The Spectre 2.0 proves that La Sportiva not only makes good climbing boots, but also scores points in the ski touring boot segment! The enhanced ski touring boot is convincingly tailored to the needs of downhill-oriented ski tourers.

At the very end of the Gastein Valley near Sportgastein, the starting point of this south-facing pleasure tour is located at an altitude of over 1500 m with guaranteed snow. Compared to many tours in the area, this tour is a little quieter and more leisurely and you are also rewarded with a wonderful panoramic view at the summit.

With the Symbol 2 Plus D, Scott is launching an award-winning helmet on the market which, according to the manufacturer, is designed to provide a whole new level of safety when skiing thanks to the D3O® inserts and MIPS® integration: The helmet is said to provide special protection against impacts at low, medium and high speeds.

In contrast to many tours in the northern Lyngenfjord, the tour to Rasmustinden does not start directly by the sea but in the massif. On the ascent and descent, however, you are spoiled with a wonderful panoramic view of beautifully shaped mountains and at the summit you can finally enjoy the fjord view typical of Lyngen.

At the latest when the first colleagues start raving about their distant travel destinations and then end their remarks with the unavoidable "and yours?", you quickly realize that you are once again far too late with your vacation planning. Almost apologetically, we therefore replied this year "oh, something unspectacular, probably just Europe, like last year - due to the time... too late with planning."

With the Storen series, Bergans is launching ski touring and mountain sports products on the market that are characterized by low weight and high functionality thanks to 3-layer, particularly thin Dermizax®NX. The aim is to focus on the essentials. I was able to test whether the advertised properties actually apply in outdoor use.

Shortly before the winter Eldorado of Obertauern, this fantastic tour, which is very snow-sure until well into spring, starts and leads through the scenic cirque nestled between the Großwandspitze and Teufelshörner to the Glöcknerin, from where you get a gigantic panoramic view of the mountain world.

This year we wanted to do things differently: not travel around the world, not compete with our friends for the most exotic vacation destination, but "swim against the tide" and stay in Europe. Because we firmly believed that there are also secluded and worthwhile vacation destinations nearby.