Malte Hangler-Schulz

When looking for suitable destinations for a ski touring vacation, Peru is unlikely to come to your mind. But the Cordillera Blanca, not far from the equator, is home to the largest tropical glaciers in the world. Our goal: to climb and ski down some of the impressive five and six thousand meter peaks "by fair means" - i.e. without guides and porters. In the second part of our adventure report, we continue through long ascents, with heavy backpacks, in thin mountain air - past imposing glaciers, in the midst of complete solitude and untouched nature. A continuation of Part I, characterized by disappearing tents, endless ascents and challenging conditions.

When looking for suitable destinations for a ski touring vacation, Peru is unlikely to come to mind any time soon. And yet the Cordillera Blanca, relatively close to the equator, is home to the largest tropical glaciers in the world. Our aim is to climb and descend some of the impressive five and six thousand meter peaks "by fair means" (without guides and porters). What follows is an adventure report about long ascents, heavy backpacks, thin mountain air, imposing glaciers and the enjoyment of ski tours in complete solitude and untouched nature!

For snowboarders who are travelling on steeper terrain, in harder conditions or on bare ice, there is no way around the use of crampons. However, due to the nature of soft boots (wide fit & relatively soft sole), there are a few special features to bear in mind.

For many ski tourers, the Wildspitze is a favourite classic in spring. The summit can be reached quickly via the Mittelbergjoch and the Taschachferner via the Pitztal glacier lifts. The only drawback of this tour: due to the very low gradient, it is not very rewarding in terms of downhill skiing. In terms of the descent, the tour via the Southcouloir is much more appealing (assuming you have the ability and experience to tackle steep slopes). This route takes you to the highest peak in Tyrol "by fair means" and by the most direct route.

It is considered one of the most beautiful ice walls in the Alps: the north face of the Lenzspitze. Even though more and more rocks are unfortunately appearing in the once huge ice sheet above Saas-Fee, the wall is a dream for every steep face skier when the snow and conditions are right! First climbed by Heini Holzer in 1972, the wall has become even more famous today thanks to the films "Mission Steeps" and "La Liste" and is climbed relatively frequently when the conditions are right.

At the beginning of February, from 03.02.2023 to 05.02.2023, Silvretta Montafon will be hosting the freeride event with the illustrious name "Powderfest" for the third time. The freeride station offers a comprehensive and varied program from Friday to Sunday: As part of various workshops, ski tests and guided tours, everyone goes in search of the best lines and the most beautiful powder in the Silvretta Montafon!

The Arva Tour 32 Switch backpack is briefly and succinctly described by the manufacturer with the attributes "Large capacity. Low weight". In the test, the backpack was able to prove these characteristics and also score highly in terms of carrying comfort.

Since the 2016/2017 season, "Mr Splitboards" Simon Graf has been developing his own shapes. He can draw on his wealth of experience from over 20 years as a tour guide and knows the specific needs of splitboarders inside out. Simon Graf has developed various shapes for the respective areas of use and requirements on the mountain: