Austria: Freeriding in Salzburg

Freeriders can fulfill their dreams here and, at the same time, rely on perfect security measures. There will also take place several freeride workshops and treks with guides who will teach about the dangers of avalanches.

 Fascination with a glacier. Online videos of five freeriding areas

Kitzsteinhorn was the first glacier ski area in Austria. No wonder it took one of the most important roles in freeriding. Skiing off the ski slope became widely popular here and today freeriders can enjoy freedom with an omnipresent motto “„Freeride XXL – Safety first”. There are five popular tracks: „Ice Age“, „Westside Story“, „Jump Run“, „Pipe Line“ and  „Left Wing“. These tracks guarantee the best ride in powder snow in the vicinity of ski lifts. Detailed information are present in the Internet where you can find all tracks and videos of downhill skiing. As an example can serve „Ice Age” entrance of which is in 2900 metres: http://www.kitzsteinhorn.at/ski_board/freeride/Freeride_Routen/ For better safety off the tracks you may find Freeride Info facilities near Alpine infocenters. There are also many Freeride Info Points where are snow updates, avalanche updates and details of slopes. Avalanche spotters are ideal opportunity for a training. www.kitzsteinhorn.at

An interesting tip: Sportgastein with three new tracks

Sportgastein, a winter paradise, is for a long time a popular place for freeriding. There are 3 brand new tracks called: „Golden Ride Route“ – 666 metres long, „Golden Rush Route“ 2000 meters long, and a five-kilometers long „Golden Powder Route“. All tracks are for medium experienced riders. In Goldbergbahn mountain station on Sportgastein is a Freeride Info with always up-to-date information for riders about tracks. Freeriders will also obtain important information about a level of avalanche danger and also all important telephone numbers to distress lines. www.gastein.com

Freeride Experience in Zell am See: An Adventure with Safety Guarantee

Those who dream about skiing off ski slopes can enjoy freeriding in Zell am See. The tenth year of Freeride Experience workshop moved in winter 2012/2013 to the heart of Austrian Alps – Hohe Tauern mountains where are the best possible snow conditions. On Kitzsteinhorn in Kaprun, on Stemmerkogel in Saalbach-Hinterglemm or on Kreuzkogel in Sportgastein – here you will train and improve your freeriding.

All guides are specially trained and know all freeriding areas. Attenders are equipped with ski gear according to their requests, including avalanche backpacks, drones, and small shovels. Accommodation is possible in comfortable pensions or hotels nearby Zeller See lake .

„Rookies“ January 11.-13. and 25.-27., 2013, February 1.-3. a 8.-10., 2013, March 1.-3., 2013

For all skiers and snowboarders who have no problems with black ski slopes, however, without any experience with riding off slopes. Knowledge of Alpin terrain is not required.

„Experts“ January 11.-13. a 25.-27., 2013, February 1.-3. and 8.-10., 2013, March 1.-3., 2013

For all with long experiences with freeriding. Difficult downhill rides on steep hills, sparse forests are on a daily basis. Difficulty level will be decided according to applicants’ experiences

Info: www.programat.at | www.freeride-experience.at

  Freeriding events in winter 2012/13

Freeriding area on Kitzsteinhornu will hold se stane dějištěm kvalifikace Freeride World Tour qualification of X OVER RIDE project from March 22 to Marc 24, 2013. www.kitzsteinhorn.at, www.x-over.at

Radical Ride on the Weißsee glacier is a freeriding race for everyone. Participate can freeriders with skis, snowboards or fans of telemark skiing. All participants can contest in a small and pleasant freeriding event. Additional information and the date you can find in March 2013 at www.weissee.at

Ø  Freerider’s guide for Salzburg

Experiences of experienced freeriders can be found in freerider’s guide for Salzburg. In a free booklet you may find 24 freeride tracks for snowboarders and skiers. There are also recommendations about preparations for freeriding, safety and equipment. You shall not forget to take this guide with you before you hit the track. Freeride-Guide costs 9,90 EUR and you can order it at www.freeride-guide.at.

Text and photo: Mgr. Andrea Žáčková, Jan Chaloupka,

Salzburgerland.com via TZ spol. Mediatrust Com.