Martin Hesse

The Kitzbüheler Horn usually only attracts a lot of attention due to its striking shape with the antenna visible from afar, which makes the 2000-metre-high mountain appear a few meters higher. Skiers in the Gamsstadt concentrate entirely on the Hahnenkamm, which is a real stroke of luck for freeriders. Because as long as the piste fanatics are shredding down the slopes on the Hahnenkamm, the Horn is virtually peaceful.

SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental is the largest ski resort in Austria, but has rarely been seen as a freeride spot to date. It will certainly never become the number one freeride attraction in the Kitzbühel Alps, but if you look closely, you will find some really good runs here too.

Ever since I heard about the merger of the two small ski resorts of Kals and Matrei at the beginning of this season, I couldn't get rid of the idea of testing this spot as soon as possible. And I have to admit: My high expectations were even exceeded!

What does everyone immediately think of when they think of Iceland? That's right: hot springs and warm geysers! As the weather on our last day in North Iceland changed back to "comfortable", we took a day trip to Myvatn. Myvatn, with the lake of the same name, is the action tourism center of the north. In winter, you can drive across the ice of Iceland's largest lake in huge super jeeps or on snowmobiles.
After a short hike through bubbling swamps, we finally dived into the wonderfully warm water of the Myvatn thermal baths. What we see as a welcome wellness program is an important part of Icelanders' culture. People go to the thermal baths not only to relax, but also to meet friends and hear the latest news from their neighbors, who often live 20 kilometers away from them.

The clocks tick slower in Iceland. The patience of Icelanders knows no bounds. And even as a guest, it only takes a few hours to adapt to their leisurely pace. This is probably the only way to understand why I feel like I've been here for weeks, even though it's only been two days.

When the name Kitzbühel is mentioned, almost every winter sports enthusiast associates it with lots of celebrities, the Streif and the world-famous Hahnenkamm race. Only die-hard Kitz connoisseurs will also think of the numerous wide slopes away from the pistes, of which Kitzbühel has quite a few.

What better way to start 2008 than with fluffy powder and sunshine? As we bought the Kitzbühel Alps season pass this year and 40 centimetres of fresh snow fell on New Year's Eve, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to making our first tracks on New Year's Day in the ski areas of Kitzbühel, St. Johann, Fieberbrunn, Skiwelt Wilder Kaiser Brixental, Wildschönau or Alpbachtal. Our choice is the Alpbachtal.

To the incomprehension of many ski fanatics, this year the lifts were shut down in many places as planned at the beginning of April despite perfect snow conditions. However, the internet told us that Obertauern was still open. Reason enough for us to pay a visit to the village at an altitude of 1700 meters.

As we drive through Kitzbühel, it is slowly getting light, but the sun doesn't really want to break through the thick cloud cover. But as soon as we leave the 5.6 km long Felbertauern tunnel, we are greeted by East Tyrol and Carinthia with glorious imperial weather. Our stop for the day is Heiligenblut.