Afghanistan

Of course, we have the first moving images of the Southern Alps on offer. But we are mainly dedicated to the new generation of professional freeriders who seem to run their own YouTube channels. After all, are the days of big productions over? Do freeride pros now have to film and market themselves? Is switch skiing, backflips and drinking beer no longer enough? As an encore, there is also a WDR documentary about "Skiing in Afghanistan, the Olympics and St. Moritz".

Three years ago, ski enthusiasts from Switzerland and Afghanistan organized the first ski touring race in the Koh-e Baba Gerbirge northwest of Kabul. The challenge is to conquer 600-1200 meters of altitude up- and downhill. The race is growing steadily and in 2013 there were already 15 participants from Afghanistan, including 5 women, and 15 participants from Australia, England, France, Norway and the USA.

The Afghan Ski Challenge took place for the second time on March 9, 2012 in the Afghan province of Bamiyan. At Afghanistan's second international ski championship, the locals outclassed the far more experienced racers from the West. Since two Swiss journalists persistently organized Afghanistan's first ski race last year, it has been reported in many international media. The response was overwhelming and this year some well-known outdoor companies offered their support to organize the event in an appropriate setting.