Skitouren

A short while ago we were water-skiing or riding bikes, and now, at the end of April, we suddenly find ourselves in winter. How could this have happened? It's cold throughout the Alps and it's snowing quite a lot, especially on the northern slopes. If you really missed it, 2 PowderAlarms and rows of 4-star ConditionsReports should be enough proof. Powder skis should be the first choice up to and including the weekend!

The Lungau is a landscape (and at the same time a political district) in the south-east of Salzburg and offers several advantages and attraction points for us downhill-orientated ski tourers thanks to its geographical location.

After our annual ski crossing was cancelled last year due to the lack of snow in the Alps, we really wanted to discover new places again this winter and spend several days in mountain huts. Our main criteria for this were to find an area that was previously unknown to all of us, that could be reached from Innsbruck within two hours and where there were many different options for experiencing nature.

Who hasn't wanted to ski or snowboard on an active volcano, between fumaroles (steaming clouds of smoke that smell of rotten eggs)? Where else would this be possible than in the land of hills and volcanoes: Japan, more precisely Hokkaido.

We spent three days together with Patagonia-Europe in the Rauris Valley and, in addition to the new product presentation, we paid a visit to the Sonnblick Observatory. There, Dr. Elke Ludewig, head of the high-alpine research station, gave us interesting insights into how research has been taking place every day at an altitude of 3,106 metres since 1886. Topics on glacier degradation, sustainable materials and climate change were at the centre of the event.

The ski touring season has long since begun and you can see ski tourers scaling the mountains everywhere. But what should you look out for while ski touring when it gets warmer? What is the right skin for me? What can I do about stubborn skins? We spoke to Sebastian Dorn from Sport Conrad and put together a brief overview of everything you need to know.

Davos is located in the heart of the canton of Graubünden, the largest canton in Switzerland in terms of area but also the least populated. Nestled between the majestic Albula Alps and the picturesque Plessur Alps, this winter wonderland at an altitude of around 1500 metres offers an interesting cultural history and an impressive mountainous landscape that makes freeriders' hearts leap of joy.

The island of Rishiri, north-east of Hokkaido, Japan, seems to have been somewhat forgotten. Or maybe it's still an insider tip. We're not quite sure. But one thing is certain: it is a jewel among touring paradises! If you want to climb to the summit, you need mountaineering expertise and the necessary equipment.

The 3-layer Dermizax shell jacket from the Swiss company Penguin offers a water column of more than 20,000 mm as well as very good breathability and is a faithful companion for your adventures on cold days in combination with a down jacket or on warm days with just a shirt as a base layer.

I can no longer imagine my portfolio without it and, despite the missing sleeves, I highly recommend it.

Whether on a ski tour, in deep snow or converted for hiking or mountain biking, the Haldigrat Air HS Hooded really is a multi-talent. Especially in times when sustainability is playing an increasingly important role, it is an outstanding companion for all your outdoor adventures.

The Zillertal, situated between the Inn Valley in the north, the Zillertal Alps in the south, the Kitzbühel Alps in the north and the Tux Alps in the west, is not only one of the largest and most populous valleys in Tyrol, but also a sunny tourism hotspot. Nevertheless, there are countless interesting peaks and slopes for ski tourers and freeriders between Strass and Hintertux.