"Five Rings to rule them all, Five Rings to find them, Five Rings to bring them all, and in the Powder bind them." - There is fresh snow in the Olympic region
Freeride history was written in Ordino Arcalís on February 03, 2026. 65 riders from 17 nations met for the FIS Freeride World Championship for the first time. According to the locals, the region is currently experiencing its best winter in over ten years - it would be hard to imagine better timing. Although persistent fog initially caused delays, the patient wait was rewarded. As the sky cleared, the snow-covered, playful and rocky "Basser Negre" face opened up and was ready for great moments. The legendary face enjoys cult status in the FWT scene. Iconic runs have been carved into the snow here before and the first Freeride World Championships also added a few new chapters to the story.
This winter can already be classified as difficult due to the below-average snow conditions and especially because of the treacherous avalanche risk situation. But all good things come from above: A circulation upheaval is planned in the stratosphere, which could greatly favor the northern slopes of the Alps in terms of upstream flow. In view of the old snow problem, we remain defensive in our route selection and look into the crystal ball of the weather below.
Atomic covers the entire spectrum of ski boots that skiers need today. For PowderGuide readers, the proven Backland series in the touring segment and the Hawx series in the freeride segment are relevant. If you look at all the team skiers, they were mainly in the classic red Redster World Cup models. They wanted a precise, stable and well-damped freeride boot that could also be used in competitions. The Remedy 130 was developed based on this feedback and the wishes of pro skiers. You can read here, together with the practical test, that Atomic has not only changed the color and the name, but has also created an evolution of the previous Redster models.
From January 11 to 13, the Bolzano trade fair opened its doors for the 25th edition of Prowinter, the trade fair for outdoor and winter sports. With 230 exhibitors and around 400 brands, around 30 percent of which came from abroad, the event once again demonstrated just how international the industry has become. For the first time, exhibitors presented the latest products and trends for the 2026/27 winter season in two halls of the trade fair. We were
on site and looked around for exciting innovations and current trends.
During our mountain adventures, our high-altitude tours - in summer and winter - always take us to the icy glacier regions that are permanently covered in snow. According to the Fauna-Flora-Habitat Directive (FFH Directive), these areas belong to habitat type 8240 "permanent glaciers", which is described as "high alpine zones permanently covered by snow or ice". An extremely inhospitable place - and yet we can certainly speak of a habitat here.
Take your freeriding skills to a new level! – In the risk'n'fun Level 1 session, you will learn to make your own decisions in open terrain. With expertise from experienced guides, like-minded freeriders and hopefully fresh powder!
Expand your powder horizons! – Let's go and find some powder together: Four days of splitboarding in the Lötschental, accompanied by professionals - perfect for motivated snowboarders.
For the fifth time, Arc’teryx brings the Freeride Academy to St. Anton am Arlberg. – From February 5 to 8, 2026, the Arc'teryx Freeride Academy once again invites you to St. Anton am Arlberg. Experience four unforgettable days full of fresh tracks in the snow, exciting clinics, and free events in the Freeride Village in one of Europe's most renowned freeride destinations.
Build on existing skills while introducing new techniques for navigating varied terrain. Emphasis on having fun while improving technical abilities. – In this freeride clinic for women, you'll experience a classic off-piste day around St. Anton am Arlberg, using only lifts and ski slopes to access lines. The focus: Off-piste runs. Guided by professional mountain guides, you will learn technical skiing tips and hone your knowledge of risk management while freeriding.
You spent the money and got all that fancy gear. You look like you know what your doing. Now it's time to take it out of bounds. Well there's one little thing you're missing. Experience. – Time to dial your equipment, take note of the terrain, and begin your freeride journey. You'll be taught what all this gear is for and how to use it. Ski Touring for beginners.
This clinic isn’t about jumping the biggest cliffs or skiing the steepest terrain, but more about skiing the mountain a little different than you usually do. – Join Arc'teryx Athlete Stinius Skjøtskift and learn how to read the terrain while keeping your speed and flow through all conditions. Stinius will help you spot places for airs or turns. It is all about having fun, while learning how to become a more creative skier.
Join Arc'teryx athlete Stian Hagen and learn how to be quicker on those touring transfers from uphill to downhill mode – Along the way, Stian will teach you best-packing principles, helping you know what you really need to bring and what you can leave at home. Great for feeling light, staying organized and prepared for emergencies.
Then learn how to layer up to level up. Stian will show you how to stay comfortable from the climb to the rest to the downhill. No more too hot, too cold.
There'll also be chance to perfect those kick turns with advice from Stian on your technique while skiing.
In control. Confident. And 100% dialed in. These are just some of the ingredients you need to find your flow in the backcountry — but how can you get into the zone on demand? – In this mind expanding clinic, professional athlete Silvia Moser will guide you to unlock your skills, finding your center and state of mind to ride with confidence and fluidity. Skitouring for advanced skiers.
Introduction to touring techniques, equipment usage, and safety protocols. Participants will gain essential knowledge for their first touring experiences – In this introductory clinic, you'll get a first taste of what it's like to earn your turns. Begining with an overview of all the necessary gear, you'll progress to learning efficient walking techniques while "on tour." Then, enjoy the elevation you gained during your ascent by skiing back down.
Ski touring "Arlberg style" means maximum downhill, minimum uphill. – By combining and linking various lifts to keep the ski touring brief, this clinic shows you the tips and tricks of easy access freeriding that St. Anton am Arlberg is famous for. Anticipate refining techniques to safely explore the backcountry of the Arlberg region.
Build on existing skills while introducing new techniques for navigating varied terrain. Emphasis on having fun while improving technical abilities. – In this clinic, you'll hone your skills while broadening your understanding of off-piste terrain. From deep snow techniques to line identification, we'll provide you with the knowledge and skills to step your freeride game up another level — alongside technique analysis to provide feedback on what's working and what can be improved. This course is conducted both on-piste and off-piste.