Skitouren

A good insulating layer is part of the basic equipment for many outdoor activities in winter. While classic down jackets offer maximum warmth, down vests score points above all for their low weight, high freedom of movement and versatility. Over the past few weeks, I have been able to test this down insulation vest on various activities - including ski tours, trail running and everyday life on cold winter days.

This article is a guest contribution and reflects the personal views of the author. At PowderGuide, we see ourselves as a platform for discourse and want to highlight different perspectives. Our Snow of Tomorrow section grew out of the debate on man-made climate change – a topic that has both scientific and social dimensions – and is now dedicated to critical and future-relevant issues in the context of mountain sports. We invite you to participate constructively in the dialogue: if you have an opinion on any of the topics or would like to contribute, please feel free to do so in the comments section and contact us. Lena is a passionate ski tourer and activist. In this very personal article, she explains why the mountains are a political place for her.

A comparison between a freeride ski and a Black Forest gateau may seem unusual at first glance, as they are two fundamentally different things: a piece of sports equipment and a culinary product. Nevertheless, some metaphorical parallels can be drawn here: Both skis and cakes are made by industrious craftsmen with expertise and attention to detail - craftsmanship and tradition. They represent a combination of traditional materials and modern production techniques. - Enjoyment and experience: skiing in open terrain offers an intense and eventful skiing experience. Enjoying a Black Forest gateau is at least as sensual an experience, where flavors and textures merge.

Let's go. Malte and Niko set off from Innsbruck towards the Caucasus. By what means? By public transport! The next few weeks will show whether this is possible and how much skiing will be done along the way. One thing is certain; the motivation is high. Over the last few weeks, the project has been eagerly anticipated.

The sun means well with us - perhaps a little too well. A small high-altitude low caused a few blemishes on Tuesday and Wednesday, then high pressure took over and the meteorological start of spring began with an omega situation. For us, this means big temperature differences between day and night, firn windows in the morning - and a watchful eye on the avalanche situation in the afternoon.

Precise power transmission, solid release values and flexible use - the Attack Hybrid from Tyrolia enables adventures away from the ski lifts and transforms every freeride ski into a set-up that can also be used for touring.

About one of the longest descents in the Alps, the dangers of "getting stuck" in La Grave and how long ten minutes can be.

"Bergtagen" is a Swedish term that literally means "taken into the mountains" or "captivated by the mountains". It describes the feeling of being completely absorbed by the majesty and magic of the mountains. The expression goes back to Nordic legends in which people were enchanted and captivated by mountain spirits. It is precisely this idea that forms the philosophy behind the Fjällräven Mountain Days. At the "Fjällräven Campfire Academy: Bergtagen", the focus is not on the summit, but on being out in the mountains together. This recap takes you on three days at the hut, ski tours in Uri and the meaning of "Bergtagen" - the feeling of being touched and moved by the mountains.

The first generation of the Shift revolutionized touring. With the Shift² 16 MN, Atomic now promises the ultimate upgrade: revised weak points, more metal and a completely new heel construction should make the binding stronger and enable a Z-value of up to 16. Is it really the perfect solution for freeriders? I chased it through Japow and boarded it over hard slopes to answer this question.

The Maverick Cti 96 is a classic all-mountain model, i.e. a ski for as many conditions as possible. With a center width of 96 mm, it is one of the narrower models in the Maverick series and is therefore more suitable for variable conditions than for the deepest powder snow. We tested how it performs in practice for you this season.

From March 24th to 27th, 2026, our cooperation partner Atomic invites you to a ski touring camp in Rauris. In the high alpine setting of the Goldberg Group, advanced and experienced ski tourers can look forward to an intensive program of guided ski tours, workshops and the opportunity to test the latest equipment. The camp is the perfect way to round off the season with new impressions, fresh impulses and plenty of time in the mountains and to expand your own skillset.

The risk'n'fun training courses sponsored by the Austrian Alpine Club are aimed particularly at young freeriders. Thanks to the funding, participants up to the age of 30 benefit from particularly low course fees. However, anyone aged 16 and over can take part; there is no upper age limit. PowderGuide took part again this year and would sign up again anytime! There are currently still places available on two Level 1 courses for anyone who would like to join.