Snow report Arlberg, 04/18/2014

Snow condition

The descent into the valley is only possible on a slippery slope. And only on the piste intended for the race. On the mountain, the situation is similar on the pistes, although the snowfall of the last few days has made things a little more respectable at higher altitudes around the Valluga. However, freeriding, as we are used to from the Arlberg, is out of the question (at least not on the predominantly south-facing slopes in St. Anton).

Snow quality

Here too, the sun has done a great job in combination with high temperatures. Even at the Ulmer Hütte at approx. 2300mh, the sulz already predominated. And anyone who didn't have the ÖSV service man with fluor wax at hand in the Steißbachtal had to see how they could get out of the slush ;)

Insignificant for the race, but according to the LLB, a 2nd place on the day. Most of the south-facing slopes were already unloaded. The only thing you had to worry about was wet surface chutes and the avalanche of people at the start.

Overall impression

Since freeriding was out of the question, the race was a fun alternative (2 stars of recognition for that). But the motto "switch off your brain and straighten your skis" only helps to a limited extent in these conditions. So if you want to race down into the valley with 500 maniacs and set a respectable time, you should get yourself at least 2.1 m downhill skis and a service man!