Schutzwald

If you climb through the forest on a winter's morning with skins on your skis, you can feel it immediately: this special atmosphere, the muffled footsteps, the breath that dissolves into small clouds and evaporates between the branches. The mountain forest is more than just a backdrop, it is alive and part of the scenery. It frames our tracks, protects our lives and creates the conditions under which winter sports are possible in the first place. And despite these important functions, it is under pressure today like never before.

"Nothing can happen in the forest." - This is probably one of the most widespread misconceptions among skiers. It is true that statistically there are fewer avalanche accidents in the forest. However, those who are lulled into a false sense of security are unconsciously taking a high risk and acting carelessly. In today's SnowFlurries we therefore take a look at how the forest influences snowpack stability and what skiers need to bear in mind.

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.

While the number of alpine skiers is stagnating or even declining in some cases, the ski touring market is growing rapidly. More and more people are seeking this special winter experience by the sweat of their brow. Even if ski touring is one of the more nature-friendly sports compared to alpine skiing - for which special infrastructure has to be built - it still has an impact on nature and the environment.

The widespread precipitation of the last few days makes up for the last few weeks and allows late winter powder skiing in the north too. After the snowy interlude, the sunny weather continues.