Tobias Hipp

Permafrost - permanently and continuously frozen ground. Direct associations: the vast expanses of tundra in Siberia, where houses stand on "stilts" because of this, the northern Canadian wilderness or the freezing cold Arctic - all really far away. But what the Kitzsteinhorn, Zugspitze, Gemsstock or Aiguille du Midi have to do with it and why a 40° steep north-facing slope is not just about tour planning and avalanche conditions, you can find out in this issue of "Snow of Tomorrow".

Situated in the Hohe Tauern at 2,565m in the middle of the Ankogel ski resort, the Hannoverhaus was reopened in 2013 and has been run by the young hut keepers Elisabeth and Christopher König since the 2016/2017 season. Elisabeth and Christopher always have an open ear and are happy to respond to their guests' wishes. Whether you need a TouringTip or the weather conditions for the next day, the two are always on hand with help and advice.

100 vertical meters of ascent for 1,400 vertical meters of descent! The Knallkar is one of the great delicacies of the Ankogel ski area. Not only is the ratio of ascent to descent unbeatable, the descent is also impressive: huge open slopes stretch a good 1,000 vertical meters down into the Anlauftal valley amidst an impressive rocky backdrop. The absolutely shady northern exposure often guarantees powder.

450 vertical meters ascent for 1,800 vertical meters descent! The Kleine Ankogel is the freeride tour par excellence in the border region between Salzburger Land and Carinthia. It really has it all: a relaxed approach, an exciting short ridge ascent and a never-ending 1,200-metre north-facing slope.

The small Mallnitz/Ankogel ski resort is inconspicuously hidden in the north-westernmost corner of Carinthia. But there is absolutely no reason to hide: with just a few meters of ascent, you can reach enormous descents of almost 1,800 meters in altitude, which should be on every freerider's to-ski list. Overnight stay in a hut in pole position included.

Those who embark on this 3- to 4-day ski crossing will immerse themselves deep in the glacier world of the Stubai Alps: Two exciting crossings, a bit of an alpine challenge and a Stubai Parade 3000 meter peak are on the program. In addition, there are magnificent descents and plenty of potential for steeper gullies, in other words everything the downhill-oriented ski tourer is looking for.

At 2,913 m, the Östl. Puezspitze is one of the highest peaks in the Puez-Geisler group in the Dolomites. In combination with the northern descent, this tour is certainly one of the most beautiful, but also most challenging undertakings in the mountain group.

It's 2018 and the whole of Dolomitija is occupied by ski resorts. Really all of Dolomiti? No, a small village in the heart of the Dolomites proudly refuses to join the snowmaking circus: Lungiarü, surrounded by the sharp Dolomite peaks of the Puez and Odle groups.