Freeride

It is well known that ski touring and freeriding have been booming for some time now and that manufacturers are enjoying constant growth rates compared to stagnating alpine skiing. Manufacturers are trying to combine the best of both worlds in order to reach a new target group. The market leader in the ski touring sector is Dynafit and since the signing of pro freerider Eric Hjorleifson at the latest, it was clear that Dynafit would also try to expand further in the freeride touring sector.

After the successful premiere of the "Back On Track - Feel Free Ride Contest" at the end of the 2013 winter season, another edition of the top-class contest format will take place this year. True to the motto "Back on Track" - back to the roots of freeriding - powder-hungry freeriders from Voralberg and the surrounding area will meet up to ride together from April 4 - 6, 2014.

Despite the poor snow conditions, this year's Youngstars Challenge was held in relatively good conditions and perfect weather. A total of almost 100 children and young people between the ages of 7 and 16 took part in both contests.

Towards the end of winter 2012/2013, eight skiers from the Arc'teryx freeski team met up near Davos to discover the previously unknown Vereina Valley in Graubünden at the first Wilderness Camp. The focus of this wilderness camp was to master first ascents and ascents together in a lonely mountain world and to exchange ideas about the different philosophies of freeriding and backcountry skiing. Hanna Finkel took part in the Arc'teryx Wilderness Camp and reports on her experiences, the lines she skied and her adventures.

The Freeride Survival Handbook by Melanie Schönthier and Stephan Bernhard is packed full of knowledge on its 144 pages; because in the mountains you should be prepared for everything.

Powder in the forest and steep gullies, tapas and red wine, crisp peaks, tours and freeriding in the national park area. In Val d'Aran, many facets of ski mountaineering and freeriding can be celebrated in style.

Verbier is one of the most famous ski resorts in the Alps and a Christmas meeting place for the chic crowd, adabeis and English Hooray Henrys. That shouldn't stop us from skiing the world-famous lines and couloirs such as Stairway To Heaven and Rock Garden. This is my experience report, which is also a guide to the best way to experience Verbier with a small yellow bag and wide laths.

The "lost valley" (Listal) is one of the highlights of the Alagna ski area. The lonely descent first leads through a fantastic gully and then over a wide glacier, directly below the imposing Liskamm (4527 m) back into the valley to Staffal - and covers a total of 1700 vertical meters.

Skiing in Greece, what a load of rubbish...! That was the first thing I thought when Andy told me about skiing in Greece. But when he showed me some impressive photos, it was clear: we should go there one day!

"Don't worry and enjoy the curry powder." The short message that flickered on my screen was in huge contrast to the much more detailed travel warning from the Foreign Office. The newspaper reports, brought to light by online research, also left a less than inviting impression. However, a brief Facebook message from Dave Watson, a professional skier and first-time K2 conqueror, swept all concerns aside. The decision was made: we were going to ski in Kashmir.

In this story, Stephanie Posch talks about how to reconcile a passion for the mountains with life in the lowlands.

The trend in freeriding is towards dungarees. No more annoying getting snow out of your trousers and your kidneys are always nice and warm. And I have to admit that I'm right in line with the trend. My bib favorite: the Flylow Baker!