Sebastian Fischer

Three years ago, we already dedicated an entry in this section to powder boards - this season, the innovative ski manufacturer from North Lake Tahoe has once again upgraded its flagship product. Reason enough to once again showcase what is perhaps the best powder ski in the world, to scrutinize the personal selection criteria when buying new powder skis and to finally state that you don't actually need sidecut in powder.

With "only" 3 stars, the X-Over Ride in Kaprun doesn't shine as brightly on paper as some other FWQ events, but the riding level here was also more than respectable. After all, the X-Over Freeride contest on the Kitzsteinhorn is the last FWQ tour stop in the Alps in 2012 before the final in Norway.

The FWQ season is already in its hot final phase and the 6th edition of the Nendaz Freeride was another highlight of the season on the program. In the FWQ ranking, two handfuls of candidates for next year's FreerideWorldTour are already emerging before the event, and the presence of some WorldTour riders adds the perfect spice to the already top-class starting field.

After the kick-off in La Clusaz and the unfortunately canceled Engadinsnow, the top riders of the FWQ gathered in Hochfügen (Zillertal) in Tyrol from February 4 to 5, 2012 to really heat up the spectators despite (or perhaps because of!?) temperatures of around -20°C. The cold powder and the first-class starting field ensured a freeride show at the highest level.

The FWQ circus is starting the 2012 season with a bang! The best competition freeriders of the "second league" met from 13-15.1.2012 in the French ski resort of La Clusaz to hold the contest adorned with 4****. The first contest of the season offers plenty of ranking points, decent prize money and a great supporting program. Event participants Simon Wohlgenannt, Sebastian Fischer and Fabian Lentsch were on site for PowderGuide and report on their impressions first-hand.

PowderGuide was on location for you in Slovenia at the 2-star FWQ, the Freeride Battle 2011 in Kanin. Our skiing competition freeride reporter Sebastian Fischer was actively supported this time by snowboarder Matthias Zimmermann. The conditions in the south-eastern Alps were amazingly good and the event was a huge success.

Part two of the New Zealand summer trip. A Big Mountain event, the earthquake and Export 22 - a colorful mix of summery winter adventures on the other side of the world.

Fortunately, the journey is not always the destination. After all, 40+ hours of traveling in planes, trains and terminals can be quite exhausting in the long run. The only question that remains is, is it worth the effort to go powdering in faraway New Zealand in the European summer?