Skitouren

The third part of our coverage of ISPO 2015 deals with the new products in the freeride and touring ski sector. As in previous years, a slow evolution continues to take place in the ski sector. We didn't see a revolution in ski design at the trade fair, but we didn't expect one either.

In the Lattengebirge mountains, just a 20-minute drive from Salzburg, there are three steep gullies that could not be more beautiful. Rarely hiked, but very worthwhile, the Alpgartenrinne catches the eye even from Salzburg!

In the middle of the Parc Naturel de Queyras, the road leads over the Col d'Agnel from France to Italy. This third highest pass in the Alps is surprisingly little known, but although the road (which leads up to 2,744 m) is of course closed in winter, it offers many opportunities for ski tourers and freeriders.

With its Aspect, Convert and Megawatt carbon construction ski lines, Black Diamond now has a series in its range that is aimed not only at freeriders, but above all at ski tourers who are looking for downhill-oriented, wide touring skis for powder tours.

The Arc'teryx Cerium LT hooded jacket is designed as a lightweight mid-layer that packs down small and can be worn under a hardshell when needed. European down is combined with synthetic material, which guarantees maximum thermal performance in strategic areas, even in damp conditions.

While kiters are busy at the top of the pass, the terrain around the Col de Vars offers a variety of different ski tours. The Vallon du Crachet is rewarding both in winter with powder and in spring with firn.

The Dienten am Hochkönig ski area is mainly known for its wonderful treeruns and the numerous variants on the Aberg. But there are also a few treats for freeriders outside the ski area, such as the ski tour to the Klingespitze.

The first impression of this tour is not the best: by car past the ski Eldorado Flachauwinkel and then the starting point below the Tauern bridge at the north portal of the Tauern tunnel. After just a few meters, however, you are completely away from the hustle and bustle and noise and are rewarded with beautiful, not too steep slopes.

Alaska ... Spines, steep slopes, endless glaciers, all covered in a thick layer of powder snow. The holy land of freeriders. The land of heliskiing. The ultimate dream for many powder addicts. Last winter, we tried to turn this dream into reality. Without heliskiing, but with all the other ingredients. An adventure report with diary entries by Lukas, at 21 the youngster in our group of four.

The Lyngen Alps between the Ullsfjord / Sörfjord and the Lyngenfjord, with their sharp peaks, narrow ridges and crests, are undoubtedly one of the wildest, most alpine and least developed mountain regions in Scandinavia. There are numerous opportunities for ski tours, climbing and trekking in the breathtaking and lonely landscape, which leaves nothing to be desired at any level of difficulty.

The Canalone Neri on the Cima Tosa is probably one of the most perfect gullies in the Alps. 900 vertical meters, north-facing and steep throughout, the gully is also located in a very impressive landscape!

The whole world is talking about ski tours in Norway: Beautiful shots and lots of rave reviews - or is it all just a commercial trend that shouldn't be followed blindly just because it no longer seems spectacular enough in the local mountains? We decided to see for ourselves and packed our bags for 10 days of ski touring in the Lyngen Alps...