Magazine

Lightweight down jackets with high fill power have long been part of the standard equipment of ambitious winter mountaineers, ski tourers and outdoor enthusiasts, but they are also an everyday item for Big Finance: Patagucci sends its regards. At least I received several compliments on the first day for the great color selection, even though I wasn't sure how the color (purple) would suit me. You can find out how the new Penguin insulation jacket performs in winter conditions in the following test.

Let's go. Malte and Niko set off from Innsbruck towards the Caucasus. By what means? By public transport! The next few weeks will show whether this is possible and how much skiing will be done along the way. One thing is certain; the motivation is high. Over the last few weeks, the project has been eagerly anticipated.

The sun means well with us - perhaps a little too well. A small high-altitude low caused a few blemishes on Tuesday and Wednesday, then high pressure took over and the meteorological start of spring began with an omega situation. For us, this means big temperature differences between day and night, firn windows in the morning - and a watchful eye on the avalanche situation in the afternoon.

Winter sports are running out of time, but the ski industry is not running out of ideas. Right after ProWinter in Bolzano, the Ski Industry Climate Summit 2026 brought brands, researchers, recyclers and NGOs to the same table to discuss what real climate action looks like beyond glossy sustainability claims. From modular skis designed to be taken apart, to recycled high-performance materials, one message stood out: the biggest lever might be the least glamorous—making skis last longer, proving it with data, and building the systems that keep products in use instead of in storage.

Precise power transmission, solid release values and flexible use - the Attack Hybrid from Tyrolia enables adventures away from the ski lifts and transforms every freeride ski into a set-up that can also be used for touring.

About one of the longest descents in the Alps, the dangers of "getting stuck" in La Grave and how long ten minutes can be.

"Bergtagen" is a Swedish term that literally means "taken into the mountains" or "captivated by the mountains". It describes the feeling of being completely absorbed by the majesty and magic of the mountains. The expression goes back to Nordic legends in which people were enchanted and captivated by mountain spirits. It is precisely this idea that forms the philosophy behind the Fjällräven Mountain Days. At the "Fjällräven Campfire Academy: Bergtagen", the focus is not on the summit, but on being out in the mountains together. This recap takes you on three days at the hut, ski tours in Uri and the meaning of "Bergtagen" - the feeling of being touched and moved by the mountains.

After the last powder turn come the real bosses of freeriders: cold feet, icy parking lots, muddy hut floors. This is exactly where these bivouac boots come into play - without drama, but with a message. They are warm enough for snowstorm vibes and so comfortable that you only put them on "briefly" and then don't take them off for hours - or even accidentally wear them to work.

The Freeride Worldtour confuses Kühtai with the Caucasus. Lots of helping hands, a good atmosphere in the sunshine, spring temperatures and a freeride community that, after a little foretaste, is first disappointed and then happy. A community that shows why it is so nice to be part of it.

The first generation of the Shift revolutionized touring. With the Shift² 16 MN, Atomic now promises the ultimate upgrade: revised weak points, more metal and a completely new heel construction should make the binding stronger and enable a Z-value of up to 16. Is it really the perfect solution for freeriders? I chased it through Japow and boarded it over hard slopes to answer this question.

Two projects from the East: Giray Dedali in Turkey and Trygg Lind in Iraq - two really beautiful films that show the local culture and visit the ski scene there. Nicholas Wolken, the gymnastics genius, in the spotlight. Skiing and jazz - how do they go together? Plus a solo trip: two days in the mountains as a splitboard ASMR. Stay safe out there and enjoy the powder.