Three days end of season at the Amberger Hütte in May paired with the opportunity to test pretty much everything that can be found on the splitboard market, that sounded quite tempting when the offer fluttered into the house in April...The situation was completely different when I got into the car in Kempten on May 8th at over 20 degrees and the best weather and with a highly questionable weather forecast in my luggage I set off for the first edition of the Splitboarding Spring Fest in Ötztal. But after all, a promise is a promise. While the guys from splitboarding.eu and their partners were already on site on Friday afternoon to set up the test boards, we set off on our hike to the Ambergerhütte at 18:00, which we reached in time for dinner. The snow conditions had already changed dramatically compared to the PowderGuide final meeting. In front of the hut, there were a few snow bands with various streams. Spring had now also arrived in the high mountains. After dinner, the test boards were briefly organized and we were able to turn our attention to the weather forecast and tour planning. While the groups discussed various options, I devoted myself to a reliability test of the hut draft beer with changing partners. However, after the 5th half pint at the latest, I was no longer able to continue this test due to the tapping time.
Tragically, Benni from Splitsticks and I were then made bitterly aware after taps that the post-hut rest 24/7 beer support from the sponsors was not guaranteed, forcing us to go to bed unfinished. One of the few areas in which the Spring-Fest still has room for improvement.
The early bird catches the rain
In view of the persistent drizzle outside the hut and the poor view, the guides decided to schedule breakfast for the guided groups at 4.00 am. We took a quick look out of the window at 4.00 am, saw the cloudy mountains and turned around again to the other side by 8.00 am. On the one hand, no radiation means no snow cover in the morning, but on the other hand it also means no increasing moisture penetration during the day - in short: mud remains mud. As we set off in the most leisurely fashion at 10.00 a.m. to stretch our feet a little, the first groups were already coming towards us on their way back in the drizzle. On the ascent, we had everything from the complete ascent of the first steep section on foot to fog, rain and snowfall. But at the summit, we had won the lottery. The sky cleared just in time for the descent and gave us an unexpectedly good descent under the circumstances. Back at the hut, there were the usual conversations coupled with the consumption of isotonic sports drinks and the organization of the next test board.
Sunshine on Crust
The weather forecast for the next day promised improvement, but the clouds in the night sky cast doubt on this. In fact, the next morning was the best touring weather - blue bird! Even the thin snow cover lasted long enough and above 2700 meters, one or the other even found a few centimeters of fresh snow.
From the rear Daunkopf to the Kuhscheibe and steeper stories, almost everything was tackled and successfully completed on this day, if the beaming faces at the hut are anything to go by. After a brief refreshment at the hut and a final photo, it was time to say goodbye and the participants set off on the early summer hike back to Gries.
So what?
The Splitboarding Spring Fest 2015 was a success in terms of both concept and execution. The fact that the three leading binding systems (Spark, Karakoram, Plum) and manufacturers were represented, from the oldskool company Pogo to big players like K2 or Burton to Amplid, Goodboards or Furberg, speaks for itself. The choice was endless and the process was uncomplicated. Thanks to all the manufacturers and participants and of course to the planners from splitboarding.eu - Martin and Patrick. The hut team at the Ambergerhütte led by boss Lydia, who had opened the hut again especially for the event, did a great job of meeting the various requests and never lost their warmth, even with some unfamiliar clientele. Thank you! In my opinion, the idea of offering different packages (with mountain guide/test only) has proved its worth. Not all participants were comfortable with the glacier terrain and late winter conditions, so this was a good opportunity for some to combine a test with the end of the season and to deepen their knowledge. The guides around the "godfather of the Pitztal" Patrick Riebis (head of the Stubai Freeride Center mountain school) naturally contributed to this. I would like to take this opportunity to make a small recommendation. As a long-time snowboarder and expert on the subject, Patrick is a good choice when it comes to honing your skills in the mountains. In view of the repeated stories about mountain guides who were unwilling to integrate splitboarders into their group, you can rest assured at this point. Patrick does guide with skis, but combines this authentically with his snowboard lifestyle. In addition, since this winter there has been the opportunity (in cooperation with splitboarding.eu) to test various splitboards directly in the Stubai. Finally, the most important sidefact of the splitboard season, which also means a hard loss for the ranks of steep wall skiers. Pierre Tardivel has now sold his last pair of skis and is now riding splitboards. Don't you think? But it's true!In this sense: We'll be back!
