Silvretta

Simon Graf, splitboarder from the very beginning, is launching three self-developed shapes this season with his newly founded label mr.splitboards: All MNT, High MNT and Powder MNT. He draws on over 20 years of experience in the industry. Wait - splitboards already existed 20 years ago? Yes, but the beginnings were adventurous! In this interview, Simon talks about his drive and we find out more about the history of splitboarding.

As announced, it will snow several times this week. Now the first dump in the northwest is imminent. And to all those who are wondering why there is only now an alarm: Well, 20cm of snow above 2500m doesn't meet the criteria. Ullr is sending snow from the northwest to the west with strong storm lows and there are always short sunny spells in between. Temperatures go up and down like in westerly weather, but remain more powdery than this weekend.

Once again, the Back on Track Freeride Contest at the Saarbrücker Hütte last weekend exceeded all expectations! To celebrate its 5th birthday, the BOT crew came up with a very special surprise for the participants. In addition, the Silvretta-Bielerhöhe once again provided the freeriders with an incredibly good time. But first things first. A look back.

For the fifth time in a row, the Back On Track Freeride Contest 2017 will feature freeride action, hut fun, breathtaking scenery and friendly people in and around the Saarbrücker Hütte. This somewhat different freeride contest is built on the three cornerstones of "sustainability, nature compatibility and community spirit". The focus is therefore not on the sickest line, but on having fun together on the mountain - whether in the hut or on a ski tour on the surrounding slopes.

The proven splitboard testival Climb the Mountain goes into the next round. From 27-29 January 2017, test equipment for splitboarders will be available at the Berggasthof Piz Buin at the Silvretta reservoir on the Bielerhöhe. There will also be a lecture program, a film screening with Aline Bock and guided tours in the Silvretta on request.

The fourth edition of the soul freeride event Back on Track took place from March 18 to 20. The hike-to-ride format once again attracted 35 motivated freeriders with splitboards, skis and snowshoes to the Silvretta on the Bielerhöhe. The hostel for the three days was once again the Saarbrücker Hütte. Compared to previous years, there was no need to worry about the weather. The forecast was for plenty of sunshine and there really wasn't a cloud in the sky for three days. Matze Kurzthaler was there for PowderGuide.

For the 11th time, the Splitboards Europe team invited participants to Climb the Mountain in the Montafon. At an altitude of 2000m, the 60 participants were able to experience everything to do with splitboards for a weekend.

Hike to Ride Contest on the Bielerhöhe - sustainability, nature compatibility, community spirit.

After the successful premiere of the "Back On Track - Feel Free Ride Contest" at the end of the 2013 winter season, another edition of the top-class contest format will take place this year. True to the motto "Back on Track" - back to the roots of freeriding - powder-hungry freeriders from Voralberg and the surrounding area will meet up to ride together from April 4 - 6, 2014.

The Paznaun offers everything a winter sports enthusiast's heart desires. Every ability level will find the perfect terrain to ride here; for ski tourers, off-piste skiers or freeriders.

The original premiere date of the Back on Track Freeride Contest could not be held due to bad weather and the avalanche situation at the time. But the new date gave hope for a great weekend... The idea was to get back to basics - in a simple and nature-friendly way, we headed up into the wildest part of the Montafon mountains with skins and snowshoes. A three-day friendly freeride competition: freeriding and chilling out together were on the agenda. PowderGuide event reporter Matze Kurzthaler was there and has plenty to report:

This classic ski tour is also interesting for freeriders who are prepared to tackle longer ascents due to its orientation and slopes. The downhill slopes are almost entirely north-facing. This allows for unadulterated powder fun long after a snowfall. Although there are usually already some tracks, these do not interfere with the finest powder and in spring the snow stays fresh on the slope for a long time. Fine firn runs are also possible in late winter / spring, at least as long as the snow reaches Lake Vermunt.