Freeride

A rather aggressive, stiff ski that needs a lot of pressure when initiating the turn - but performs at the highest level if done.

After its visit in the Caucasus last week, we are now accompanying the same low pressure area on its journey eastwards. It is now affecting parts of the mighty Hindu Kush and Karakoram mountain ranges. It is now reaching the Kashmir region, which is covered by PG weather since the last update. Just like the Caucasus, Kashmir is geopolitically extremely sensitive: Pakistan and India have been fighting over the political region of Kashmir for a long time. The mountains around Kashmir are extremely interesting terrain for both trekking in summer and freeriding in winter.

As you know, you shouldn't judge by appearances - because these new ski poles from the now renowned Swedish manufacturer from Åre almost flew to the ceiling when I picked them up for the first time. KANG has rightly reinvented the wheel and designed sustainably produced aluminum telescopic poles, which I now affectionately call 'fat boy slim'.

PowderGuide meets every year at the end of the season to celebrate a successful season together, catch up with old friends and make new acquaintances. Every year it's a highlight and this year Ullr meant well with us and blessed us with fresh snow. What a weekend - something between freeriding, abseiling, cooking and laughing together and talking shop about equipment and weather. THANK YOU to everyone who was there, took part and organized, we are already looking forward to next year! Special thanks to Engelberg Tourism for the support.

With the SUMMIT 20, Evoc is launching a compact, no-frills and very lightweight backpack this season, which we tested for you while ski touring and freeriding.

The Arc'teryx Sentinal jacket and pants in the test. Not only the feel of the material is impressive, but also the durability under various conditions. Nevertheless, two small, very personal points of criticism were found.

The Freeride Days Engelberg 2025 are the ultimate event for everyone who loves deep snow! From Thursday, March 13, 2025, to Sunday, March 16, 2025, you can expect first-class workshops with professionals, the latest ski and safety equipment to test and an après-ski program. PowderGuide is on site as an official partner - come along and secure your spot at the legendary freeride camps.

Who wouldn’t want a backpack that’s versatile enough for almost any adventure? Whether as a daily companion in the city, at university, or the climbing gym, as a daypack for hiking, ski touring, and skiing, or on a winter splitboard tour with an overnight hut stay—the Nirvana 28 from Swiss outdoor brand Mammut is designed to handle it all.

In his search for a new freeride glove, Baschi Bender, a long-time PowderGuide photographer, has always taken a very critical approach due to his on-and-off job. This time he seems to have made a really good catch.

Three out of five Big Fives travelled, but more than two reasons to come back Engelberg's reputation as a freeride mecca precedes it. But what is it like in the notorious area when there is no fresh snow? In the past few days, fresh snow had been forecast time and again, but just before the deadline, Ullr decided to leave Engelberg out this time. The forecast for "our" Friday is 10-20 cm and we're keeping our fingers crossed.

Fischer is entering another new product year with the highly successful Ranger model range and its slogan "Ski more". The first impression of the ski suggests that the Ranger will continue to be one of the best skis on the market in the future. Fischer remains true to its line and presents the Ranger in a simple and appealing design with modern colour variations. Specific women's models are not offered in this series, but each ski length is available in 2 colour variations. This means that the choice of skis is based solely on body size and skiing ability.

St. Anton at the Arlberg is a household name for anyone on one or two boards - be it because of the legendary après-ski or the breathtaking pistes. But away from the booming bass beats, there are also impressive freeride runs, especially the famous Valluga, which challenges even experienced winter sports enthusiasts with its unmistakable panorama and demanding route. We were allowed to take a closer look at the whole thing over the weekend.