Quellspitze

The small ski resort of Kappl in the Paznaun Valley has been a household name for most freeriders since the Freeride World Tour stop was relocated from Fieberbrunn to the Quellspitze. Reason enough to introduce you to the short tour to the summit, where even non-pros get their money's worth...

Due to the difficult snow conditions on the Wildseeloder in Fieberbrunn, the third stop of the FWT, also the 10th anniversary edition of the Big Mountain Fieberbrunn, took place this time in the Paznaun Valley on the Quellspitze in Kappl. Despite the last-minute relocation and the unfamiliar slope, the freeriders performed impressively in the sunshine and challenging snow conditions. The winners were Sam Smoothy (NZL) for the skiers, Sammy Luebke (USA) for the snowboarders, Nadine Wallner (AUT) for the skiers and Shannan Yates (USA) for the snowboarders.

Good conditions at the second attempt: The contest originally scheduled for February had to be postponed due to poor visibility and could now be held on 16.03.2013. This time, the mountains in the Paznaun valley had good snow conditions and the sun was at its best. In the afternoon, the beaming winners of almost 60 participants were announced: Angelika Kaufmann (ski), Martin Rofner (ski), Sanne Koeman (snowboard), Christoph Fuschlberger (snowboard). Contest participant and PowderGuide reporter Katharina Schröer recorded her impressions on site:

The Austrian freeride contest scene has grown considerably this winter. No fewer than five new Freeride World Qualifiers in the OPEN FACES Freeride Series have invited youngsters and established riders to put their skills to the test in contests. After four successful events, the OPEN FACES Freeride Series is now heading towards the finale on the Kitzsteinhorn. Before that, however, the postponed 2-star competition in Kappl will be rescheduled.