K2

Splitboards are now available in every conceivable shape and color. We put one of the most innovative new splitboards - the Ultrasplit from K2 - through its paces this season; with positive results, that much can be revealed in advance.

Is the K2 Annex 118 Pro Model: a "one ski fits all?". For me, the ski is a successful all-round talent: with a balanced balance of torsional stiffness and forgiving character.

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.

At ISPO, all manufacturers present their innovations - or not. Read about the new products in the ski sector.

At ISPO, all manufacturers let their innovation cats out of the bag. Read about the new products in the Splitboards & Miscellaneous section.

Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner and her husband and rope partner Ralf Dujmovits have been known to the general public at least since their summit success on K2, the world's most difficult eight-thousander. By climbing the second highest mountain in the world in 2011, Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner became the first woman ever to climb all 14 eight-thousanders without the aid of bottled oxygen. Ralf Dujmovits was the first German to complete the series back in 2009 with his ascent of Lhotse. In the book 2 x 14 eight-thousanders, recently published by Bruckmann Verlag, many of the experiences of the two top mountaineers on the world's highest mountains are recounted in words and pictures.

K2 offers climbing skins for almost all K2 ski models suitable for touring, which can be attached directly to the ski using a clip system. Mountain guide and photographer Stefan Nehauser reports on his first experiences with the skins.