Österreichischer Alpenverein

In order to achieve the Paris climate targets, the energy transition needs to step up a gear. In Austria, the plan is to generate 100% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030. The fact that the energy transition must be a major goal for all of us in the fight against the climate crisis is not open to debate. The question is how it will be implemented, as the transformation of the energy supply will have a massive impact on nature and the landscape.

As freeriders and snowboarders, we like to enjoy nature away from the regulated and marked slopes. The free flow, your own line is always interesting. With more freedom comes more responsibility for your own actions. This irrevocable connection is crucial for thriving together in the natural winter landscape. So before we have to regulate, it is up to us to implement the right behavior.

We elegantly bridge the barren heat period between the years with the annual scouting of the Alpine clubs' YouTube channels. These show a lot about how they see themselves. Some are in their infancy, neglected and antiquated, and some are packed with fancy content that our modern society so desperately needs.

Michael Larcher, head of the mountaineering department at the ÖAV and mountain guide, will address various aspects of the topic in his annual lecture at the start of the winter touring season, from rescuing companions to recurring accident patterns. The live stream will take place on December 8 at 19:00.

risk'n'fun is kicking off the season with a series of free workshops. The approximately two-hour workshops offer an entertaining refresher to get you in the mood for the new winter and are primarily aimed at freeride beginners, although there are also interesting inputs for more experienced powder fans. The workshops will take place in various cities in the DACH region over the next few days!

Welcome to this year's review of the channels of our Alpine clubs! More online seminars are hardly what we need, but I would like to establish this sub-category. Of course, all channels have gained subscribers, but the balance of power has hardly shifted. In my opinion, the ÖAV stands out with its educational and humorous videos about safety on the mountain. Just like back then, we are growing from small to big. Language courses included!

In view of the northern congestion and the associated avalanche situation, we are also watching videos about avalanches here today. We cover a wide spectrum: from scientific-educational to case studies and VLOGs to music and film. The quality of the videos presented starts at educationally valuable, but steadily declines towards the end until it becomes unbearable. But the selection is large and you have been warned. So, despite all the fun in the powder, watch out!

The Working Group of Austrian Avalanche Warning Services has published its seasonal report for winter 2019/20. The report not only contains statistical evaluations of the past avalanche winter, but also many detailed and impressively illustrated analyses of specific accidental avalanches. In addition to the LWDs of the Austrian federal states, the SLF and the LWD South Tyrol are also represented with guest contributions.

The vastness of the internet is not only full of funny cat and dog videos, but often also good instructional videos on the subject of winter sports. Here is a compilation of videos about snow and avalanches, with recommendations from the snow rummager.

What we don't have to thank our alpine clubs for: huts with mountaineers' meals and tea, dormitories with scratchy woollen blankets, winter rooms and bivouacs! Magazines, equipment hire and courses! Environmental protection and policy! Anything else? Sure: the Alpine clubs of all Alpine countries have long been represented on youtube and deliver: Educational material, small adventures and big expeditions, as well as top-level Olympic sport. So let's take a look - in order from small to big!

The Working Group of Austrian Avalanche Warning Services has published its seasonal report for winter 2018/19. As always, the report not only contains statistical evaluations of the past avalanche winter, but also many detailed and impressively illustrated analyses of specific accidental avalanches. In addition to the LWDs of the Austrian federal states, the SLF and the LWD South Tyrol are also represented with guest contributions.

A jumble of terms! What do they mean for us recreation seekers and where do they apply - especially now in winter?