From January 13 to 15, 2012, the legendary BigLePowSki-Tour 2011/2012 finally got underway in Engelberg (Switzerland) in good off-piste conditions. Perfect mountain weather and the odd untracked slope made for a great atmosphere. With 35 participants each, the workshops were fully booked on both days and the test equipment from Black Diamond, Arcteryx, Fritschi and Pieps found plenty of takers.
Late but successful start
The start of this year's BigLePowSki tour had to be postponed to the event in Engelberg due to a lack of snow and the high risk of avalanches (December, St. Anton). The anticipation was all the greater after the abundant snowfall in recent weeks and the prospect of perfect mountain weather (Lea's weatherblog from 12/01/2012). Friday evening started as usual with the first introductory workshop. In a relaxed atmosphere, the contents of the Freeride-Map Engelberg were presented and an example of how this map can be used as a planning tool for freeriding was explained. Using their own maps, the participants were then able to get an idea of the off-piste possibilities in Engelberg and, with a BigLePowSki welcome drink - a White Russian, of course - in hand, discuss which variants could be skied on Saturday in the given conditions and at acceptable risk.
On Saturday morning, everyone then gathered at the igloo village / Trübsee. Unfortunately, the forecast was all too accurate and with freezing temperatures (minus 13 degrees Celsius), the participants understandably just wanted to quickly rent their favorite Black Diamond skis and get out on the slopes or next to the slopes to get moving. Most of the courses were already fully booked before the event, although the few free places were then booked on site. The freeride beginners set off with the experienced Engelberg mountain guide Remo, the freeride photo workshop was led by Baschi Bender, with none other than Ueli Kestenholz serving as model, and the advanced participants were introduced to the fine art of freeriding by David Pitschmann and BD athlete Thomas Gaisbacher. It was clear from the broad grins on their faces that the participants had a lot of fun.
More tour dates for the BigLePowSki happening
The Dude will be making two more appearances in Europe this winter. At the end of March, from the 23rd to the 25th, in the freeride and steep skiing mecca Chamonix (FRA), and then in mid-April, from the 13th to the 15th, in Sogndal (NOR) and thus for the first time in Scandinavia! A balanced program of workshops can be expected at both events and Chamonix in particular will be worthwhile for those who have never had the opportunity to go off-piste there.
Win the limited edition BigLePow ski exclusively at PG.com
To take part, all you have to do is answer the question "In which country is a BigLePowSki event taking place for the first time this year?" and send us your answer. Closing date: 15.04.2012, 24 o'clock. If you have found the right answer, write us your answer via forum message (PN). Please include your address. Here is the link to the competition...
For your information: No storage of your data! Addresses and names of the winners will only be passed on to Black Diamond for the purpose of shipping.
