Österreichischer Alpenverein

The risk'n'fun training courses sponsored by the Austrian Alpine Club are aimed particularly at young freeriders. Thanks to the funding, participants up to the age of 30 benefit from particularly low course fees. However, anyone aged 16 and over can take part; there is no upper age limit. PowderGuide took part again this year and would sign up again anytime! There are currently still places available on two Level 1 courses for anyone who would like to join.

risk'n'fun KIDS is specially designed for children and teenagers. Here, young skiers and snowboarders learn safety and avalanche knowledge directly on the mountain. Accompanied by trained mountain guides, they receive practical training in using beacons, probes and shovels and learn how to read the terrain correctly. At the same time, the focus is on having fun freeriding together.

The magic words "winter opening" and "start of the season" are enough to make winter sports fans' hearts beat faster. The marketing departments of the ski resorts are broadcasting dreamy winter landscapes and snowy backdrops on all channels. Everything is open again! Optimism is spreading: Winter is here! Skis and snowboards are taken out of the cellar and freshly waxed in anticipation. And then it's time to head up the mountain!

The Scandinavians lead the way once again. Trygg Lind and friends are a feast for the eyes and ears, and Antti Autti finds the best spots and lines, and simply tells the story so well. Carlikolumna also proves with her ConditionsReport that dream conditions are currently prevailing. So, at least for now, don't head south, head north!

The climate crisis concerns us all and is forcing us to scrutinise our actions. At the same time, winter sports are often criticised because of artificial snowmaking, energy consumption and the impact on the environment. So isn't it hypocritical to criticise ski resorts and at the same time enjoy skiing yourself? As passionate freeriders, we have to think about the decisions we make and how we can practise our hobby in the most reflective way possible so that we can continue to enjoy the incomparable days on the mountain with a clear conscience.

Heavy equipment, waiting times at cold railway stations, high planning costs... there are plenty of reasons (or excuses?) not to travel by public transport, especially on ski tours. A reflection on my efforts to leave the car at home more often and to outwit my own comfort.

Whether for mountaineering, camping or winter sports - the right equipment is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience in the great outdoors. However, high-quality outdoor equipment can be expensive and if you only use it occasionally, you should ask yourself the question: Buy or rent? The Alpine Club offers a wide range of equipment for rent, from climbing and ski touring guides to equipment and three-day public transport tickets (Innsbruck section).

Only a financial rescue package totalling 95 million euros can create the conditions for Austria's Alpine Associations to continue to preserve mountain huts and and hiking trails for all mountain recreationists.

In the Eastern Alps, we often go freeriding in the forest, sometimes the entire descent and sometimes just the last bit of the ride. There are a few things to bear in mind. Let's take a look at the wonderful world of the winter forest together.

Not only the early start to the Alpine Ski World Cup season in Sölden, but also the recently announced development plans for the Gepatschferner and around the Linker Fernerkogel have attracted a lot of criticism. In this article, Benjamin Stern, a member of the Austrian Alpine Club's Spatial Planning and Nature Conservation Department, explains what construction measures are planned in the Pitz and Kaunertal valleys, where glacier protection is lacking and what modern solutions the Alpine Club would like to see.

It's all about drama, intrigue and a happy ending: welcome to the soap opera about the planned glacier marriage between Pitztal and Ötztal. Or: Why Rosamunde Pilcher couldn't have written life any better.

The Austrian Alpine Association is once again offering the Avalanche Update this year, and we are pleased to announce that there will once again be more than 20 live presentations in Austria. We can expect the latest developments in practical avalanche awareness and rescue techniques, which will be illustrated using avalanche accidents from the previous season. A lecture for everyone who wants to get to grips with snow and its dangers again and prepare for winter in the mountains!