Skitouren

With the Line Chaser combo, Scott is launching a minimalist ski touring outfit onto the market. One special feature is the three-layer DRYOspun fabric, which combines low weight with high functionality. On the other hand, Scott is also focussing on sustainability with this outfit by using recycled and renewable materials. I was able to test whether the advertised properties actually apply in outdoor use.

Steep face freeskiing is not only possible in Chamonix! The "Eastern Alps" also have a lot to offer in this category, although they often receive less attention than the better-known destinations further west. The book "Ski Extrem Guide. Steilwände und Normalanstiege auf 78 Gipfel in der Steiermark, Niederösterreich und Salzburg" by Michael and Hannes Pichler and Peter Kolland (2013) offers a comprehensive overview of the classical routes as well as more exotic destinations in the region. A clear recommendation!

With the Vanguard, La Sportiva is launching a long-awaited boot onto the market that utilises an innovative design. While the trend in ski touring boots is moving towards the "overlap" design familiar from alpine boots, La Sportiva has optimised the more classic "convertible" design with the Vanguard. We tested how the boot performs uphill and downhill.

Faction is now well established as a pure freeski brand, but is still an (almost) unknown agent in the touring ski sector. With the Agent series, Faction now has an interesting touring ski line in its programme, although it is perhaps worth noting that the models marked with an "X", i.e. Agent 1.0X, Agent 2.0X and so on, are basically the same skis.

With the A.LIGHT, ABS has launched a completely redesigned backpack system onto the market. The release system with the two balloons, the familiar cartridge and release unit remains the same, but the backpack concept has been completely revised. There are currently two zip-ons in different sizes for the base unit, which contains the airbags, release unit and cartridge. We tested the backpack with the larger TOUR attachment.

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.

From the perspective of Switzerland, Germany and the western federal states of Austria, for most people the Alps and their "interesting" part in terms of skiing end with the "almost three-thousand metre" Dachstein. The areas further east are generally referred to as the eastern edge of the Alps even by experts (such as the PowderGuide community) and are wrongly considered to be insignificant in terms of skiing.

The easternmost of the Tauern valleys, the Grossarl Valley, offers a wide range of touring options and extensive terrain for a wide variety of preferences. The mountaineering village of Hüttschlag is the perfect base for an excursion. As part of our co-operation with the mountaineering villages, Sepp Kendler, ÖAV section chairman of Grossarl-Hüttschlag, presents three beautiful tours in Grossarltal.

Of course, the Alps are our favorite. But hold on! Other regions of Central Europe also have beautiful mountains, with mostly relaxing and sometimes exciting terrain and descents. Regional ski touring in the nearest low mountain range was the new discovery and rediscovery par excellence at the height of the pandemic: Badisch Columbia 2021! We stay at home and head east, north, west and south. There's snow everywhere and hopefully freedom to travel again soon.

The Air HS jacket from Mammut's Aenergy series is designed as a ski touring jacket. The material should be windproof, waterproof and hard-wearing on one hand, but light and breathable on the other.

They ensure the safety of winter sports enthusiasts every day - one for around 8 guests a day in an unsecured area with all the dangers of the Alps, the other for up to 8,000 people on secured slopes. We are talking about ski and mountain guide Christian Räss from "Engelberg Mountain Guides" and Christoph Bissig, head of the Titlis piste and rescue service for 20 years.

Not far from Innsbruck, the Arztal above the village of Ellbögen is the starting point for some interesting tours. We would like to introduce you to two tours that allow you to ski down beautiful, north-facing slopes without being too technically demanding.