A look at old ski atlases proves that Kitzbühel was considered a deep-snow resort long before the freeride boom began. This has not changed even in the age of fat skis. Many powder fans are drawn to the Kitzbüheler Horn or the slopes of the Steinbergkogel. If you delve deeper into the extensive ski area between the Gamsstadt and Mittersill in Salzburg, you will inevitably reach the Pengelstein, another sub-area with great freeride potential.
Many of the slopes around the Pengelstein are easy to see and reach, making them ideal for those unfamiliar with the area. The slopes on the east side are ideal for a morning warm-up. On the ascent with the Kasereckbahn, you can already see the different variants. Directly below the lift, deeply incised stream beds form a real giant playground for pipe lovers. Those who prefer higher cliffs for an adrenaline kick will also find them on the east side at the top of the Jufenkamm between Pengelstein and Silberstubenlift. The moderately steep gradient is perfect for gentle landings.
Underneath the 3S gondola, which connects the Pengelstein with the Jochberg ski area, off-piste valley descents through the Saukasergraben to Jochberg are possible in good snow conditions. Alternatively, you can turn right after the first steep section and traverse over to the Hochsaukaser chairlift. However, a little caution is advised: Strong winds often bring large amounts of snow to this flank, which means that avalanches can occasionally occur when you wouldn't expect them. The slopes on the way to the Schwarzkogel are somewhat more remote. If you turn left after the traverse, you will return to the Hochsaukaser lift. On the west side, there are various options on the slopes to Aschau across alpine meadows and forest clearings in the Oberer Grund. From Aschau, the ski bus takes you back to the Pengelstein valley station. The skiing highlight in the Pengelstein area is the flanks of the 2030-metre-high Schwarzkogel summit, which can be skied in all directions. With the north-east flank always in view, you can pick your line through the steep north-east flank during the 30-40 minute ascent over the ridge. On the sunny south side, after the steep initial section, wide alpine meadows open up all the way down to the Saukasergraben.
In snowfall and fog, you usually have the best visibility in the forest below the Pengelstein II chairlift. Treeskiing is the order of the day here and if you're looking, you'll also find the odd cliff in the forest. So even on bad weather days, you don't have to miss out on freeriding completely.
The Pengelstein doesn't offer extreme terrain, but enough opportunities to have fun for one or two days. And if you want even more, you can explore the other parts of the Kitzbühel ski area afterwards.
