Event report | Alpine Splitfest Kandersteg (19. - 21.2.16)

Saturday morning we then went on tour in different groups. As the groups started at different times, there was always enough space in the dining room and the morning rush was reduced a little. While the beginner group started from the valley, the advanced splitboarders began their tour with a descent from the mountain station. With snow flurries and a good 30 cm of fresh snow, the first powder turns were collected here before the ascent began. In uninterrupted snowfall, the route then led across alpine meadows below a large rocky outcrop, from where the descent began. In the upper section, the participants were rewarded with good conditions, while the warmer air had already prevailed in the valley, so that the last participants returned to the lodge in the rain. The hope of both the organizers and the participants was, of course, that the snow line would not rise too high, but locals did not hold out much hope, as the snow line in Kandersteg would rise very high in such westerly weather conditions.

The vague worries about the touring conditions disappeared with one or more beers at the evening party that the organizers had put together. When beer has to be refilled for the third time at midnight, it's either a massive miscalculation or a really big party. In this case, the cause was clearly a successful party with an extremely thirsty audience!

The next day was then bright sunshine and the participants really became aware of the impressive alpine backdrop with Altels and Balmhorn after two days of snowfall. Unfortunately, it had rained up to almost 2500 m during the night - the locals had the right premonition about this - which made the previously fallen snow a crusty affair.

The super weather and the great scenery as well as a few good turns above the rain line made the day a successful conclusion to the festival.

What remains to be said in conclusion? In any case, the Splitfest is a recommendation for snowboarders from Switzerland or elsewhere who want to try out the latest equipment in a relaxed atmosphere on impressive mountains. Looking back, the only thing that could be improved was the size of the tour groups, which turned out to be a bit large in relation to the guides/participants. But that could be different next time.