Timo Macvan

The Freeride World Tour 2022/23 will once again set new standards in terms of creativity, airtime and freestyle elements this season. The story of the older generation and big mountain riders with their alpinistic approach, such as Sam Anthamatten, Reine Barkered or the de le Rue brothers, seems to have come to an end. Nevertheless, avalanche prevention and safety awareness remain key issues for the contest scene.

The Freeride World Tour 2022/23 starts its final stops in the Alps next weekend. The next stop at the infamous Wildseeloder in Fieberbrunn promises two new events and could become the unofficial finale.

Mammut advertises the new Taiss HS Hooded as a "feather-light all-rounder" that can be used "all year round in the Alps". We get to the bottom of this description in the test and also explored other possible uses!

The Alpride system, which is powered by supercapacitors instead of gas cartridges, avoids many of the usual disadvantages of airbag backpacks, such as the expensive and time-consuming replacement of cartridges. The system is also lightweight. We have tested the Scott Patrol E2 30 for you.

At the end of January, I was supposed to take part in the legendary White Ring, the ski and snowboard race through the extensive ski area of Lech. Unfortunately, the event had to be canceled due to the weather. The race weekend took a completely different but exciting direction. I got a little insight into the freeride history of Lech Zürs and was able to pick up a few powder turns.

One of the most legendary ski races in the Alps takes place on Saturday, 21.01.2023. The White Ring - The race is a traditional ski and snowboard race in which all participants have to complete a lap around Lech am Arlberg as quickly as possible. On 22 downhill kilometers with an altitude difference of 5500m spread over six lifts, all ambitious winter sports enthusiasts can put their skills to the test.

On the weekend of 10.11-13.11, the annual Intersport Snow Days took place on the Stubai Glacier. Under the motto "Rent what you can", visitors were able to test the new products for the 22/23 ski season. Up to three items could be borrowed at the same time for a period of 90 minutes. A total of 36 outfitters gathered at 2900m at the Eisgratbahn mountain station and offered everything winter sports enthusiasts need, from ski goggles and helmets to equipment for their feet.

The "Intersport Snow Days" will take place on the Stubai Glacier from November 10-13. A total of 36 exhibitors will be presenting their equipment. Tickets for the test festival cost €20/day, offering interested parties a relatively inexpensive opportunity to test a wide range of different equipment in the snow.