Powder fields, cliff jumps, and natural pipes: the new freeride routes that have been created on the Kitzsteinhorn glacier near Zell am See-Kaprun, Austria are heaven-sent for freeriders!
Already one of the most popular freeride spots in the Alps, the new ‘Freeride XXL’ system puts safety first, and their Freeride Mondays and the Freeride World Qualifier ‘X Over Ride 2014’ in March are all innovations for this season.
Five marked ‘freeride’ routes
With reliable snow conditions and lifts up to 3029m, the Kitzsteinhorn glacier is one of the most popular freeride hotspots of the Alps.
Five marked ski routes provide pure backcountry fun: “Ice Age“, “Westside Story“, “Left Wing“, “Jump Run“, and “Pipe Line“ offer freeridiers varied terrain.
Freeride Info Base and Info Points
The Freeride Info Base next to the Alpincenter and Info Points at the start each freeride routes give information on the dangers of off-piste riding, plus current weather, snow and avalanche conditions.
Additionally, there is a checkpoint for their avalanche transceivers, equipment tips, and much more.
At the Freeride Info Points, riders can get more detailed information on the route, including a topographic map showing the steepness of the slope, dangerous spots, and the most beautiful line.
There is also a free PIEPS Avalanche Training Center offering the perfect opportunity to practice using an avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel. Equipped with a touch-screen, the computer-operated installation enables the user to train independently at any time. Riders can choose from different levels of difficulty and analyse the results on site or online at home.
X OVER RIDE Kitzsteinhorn
the ‘X OVER RIDE Kitzsteinhorn 2014’ is a 3-star Qualifier of the Swatch Freeride World Tour by The North Face, and promises top-level freeriding.
At this big mountain contest of the world’s most important freeride tour, national and international top riders will fight for the prize-money and vital points for the overall ranking on March 22, 2014.
Freeride Mondays
Each Monday from 25 November 2013 to 05 May 2014 Kaprun’s ski school offers the opportunity to experience and learn how to freeride. On Freeride Mondays, two Kaprun ski schools give skiers and snowboarders (13 years and older) tips on safety and how to improve their riding technique.
All in all, plenty of reasons to head to Kaprun this year if you’re interested in freeriding or improving your technique.
For details of catered chalets in Kaprun, please contact the Chaletline team on 01822 617761.
Kaprun village
Article by Iain Martin