Freeride Testival 2026 | Warth-Schröcken

The event

As at the previous stops, we from PowderGuide were represented in cooperation with Penguin as 'The Powder Collective' with our own stand at the Freeride Testival in Warth-Schröcken. PowderGuide presented not only the weather forecast - which unfortunately didn't have much to say this time - but also the PowderGuide snow depth prediction game with great prizes. Between numerous well-known ski and snowboard manufacturers and newcomers to the scene, there was more than enough equipment for all interested freeriders to test. In addition, local guides offered guided ski tours and safety workshops.

Saturday

As we had celebrated Fritz's birthday the day before, the alarm clock rang a little later than usual on Saturday morning. But as soon as we opened the curtains and saw the wild peaks of the Bregenzerwald, our tiredness disappeared and our motivation soared in anticipation of a sunny day in Warth-Schröcken. Arriving at the Testival area right next to the Jägeralp-Express valley station, we were greeted by slopes with good grip and a relaxed soundtrack from the jukeboxes in the Freeride Testival Village. The visitors talked shop and the guys and girls at the exhibitor tents did a great job! Our stand at The Powder Collective was a hive of activity and the Penguin X PowderGuide deckchairs invited visitors to take a break in the spring sunshine.

We were able to find out who was lucky enough to win these great prizes the very next day when the snow depth prediction game was solved. But before that, there was another highlight: the guys from Faction Ski not only seem to be excellent ski experts, but also provided the Testival audience with an energetic techno set on Saturday afternoon, making the transition from Freeride Testival and dance festival a seamless one. The relaxed atmosphere between exhibitors and visitors is a feature of the Freeride Testival and shows what freeriding is ultimately all about - having a good time on the mountain.

Sunday

Perfect Testival conditions awaited us again on Sunday. The sun shone all day and the mild temperatures softened the initially hard, grippy slopes around lunchtime, creating a mogul slope. Word had already spread the day before that, with good timing, excellent firn could be found off-piste - and so it was today. The conditions were extremely varied. The wide range of exhibitors was just what was needed to find the right skis for all conditions.

At our stand, we presented the new weather maps and eagerly explained our raffle. Our PowderGuide deckchairs are right in front of the tent in the sunniest spot on the Testival grounds and are very popular. In between, we rattled around the exhibitors' stands and diligently tested our way through the range - whether skis or ski goggles, we tried everything out and shared our experiences.

The deadline for our snow depth prediction game was 12:00 noon - much to the displeasure of some of those who wanted to bet. The prizes were awarded at 14:30. Beba guessed the height at 159.5 cm, just one millimeter too high, and can look forward to new Head Kore 112 skis with Tyrolia Attack bindings. Held27 guessed 160 cm and wins the Fritschi Xenic touring binding.

We are especially happy for Simon Peschek, who guessed 160.2 cm. We were able to personally present him with his new Black Diamond backpack and headlamp. A chamois (158.5 cm) is delighted with the leopard print ski touring skin from Contour. domi.leonie (158.4 cm) was also there in person and took home a cap and a ski bag from Forest Skis. At the next stop on the Stubai Glacier there will be one last chance to win - details will follow, but this much can be said: the great prizes have already arrived.

The festival was a complete success. The basic idea behind PowderGuide 25 years ago was to network freeriders and connect the community. The Freeride Testival enables us to be particularly close to ski enthusiasts and to live this idea offline too! After eagerly testing and talking shop at our stand, the day flew by. We enjoy the last rays of sunshine as we dismantle our stand and watch the sun slowly disappear behind the mountain peaks. Satisfied and full of anticipation for the next Testival, we set off on the long journey home through the beautiful Lech Valley.