Freeride skiing through a trench on the Stubai Glacier at the KÄSTLE Powder Department Ladies Days.
Freeride skiing is skiing in its purest form. In recent years there has been a real boom in so-called off-piste adventures. More and more skiers are drawn to the untouched ski slopes off the marked and controlled pistes.
Deep snow skiing or freeride skiing can be done off-piste with the right equipment and if there is enough snow. The Stubai Glacier, for example, is one of the top freeride areas in Austria with the Powder Department set-up especially for freeriders.
In addition to 13 off-piste runs, the Powder Department also includes an ORTOVOX avalanche transceiver training area as well as so-called avalanche transceiver checkpoints on the Eisgrat, Gamsgarten and at the Rotadl mountain station - because in an emergency, trained handling of the avalanche transceiver is crucial.
Having had a look at the freeride skiing options on the Stubai Glacier and having dreamed of exploring them myself, I eventaully joined the Freeride Camp for women.
Even if the sun was a little restrained on this day, the mood and anticipation among the ladies was euphoric. The entire group had already gotten to know each other the evening before at the Welcome Evening - and everyone agreed: onto the skis and off we go!
So while the hard-working guys and girls from KÄSTLE were setting up skis including bindings at record speed, we already got to know our experienced guides. After a short greeting, the groups were divided up depending on their ability. Perfect start, especially for newcomers like me.
However, in order to fully enjoy freeriding, there is one rule: SAFETY FIRST! Therefore, the right equipment is also an absolute MUST at our Freeride Camp in Austria. In addition to skis, boots, helmet and ski poles, the clothing should also be breathable and water-repellent. In addition, avalanche beacons, shovels, probes and avalanche airbag systems (ABS) backpacks are essential to minimize the risk for yourself and others. So before it was time to strap on the skis, the first thing to do was check the equipment and learn about safety. After all, knowledge of avalanche awareness and the use of freeride safety equipment are basic requirements for freeriding. Equipped with the latest KÄSTLE all-mountain and freeride models as well as ORTOVOX safety equipment, we headed off to the powder department.
The golden rule in skiing and also in freeriding is: Keep your posture! Because speed, direction and snow conditions change constantly in the terrain. In order to be able to quickly and safely adapt one's own skiing style to the respective conditions, the correct body posture is particularly important. That's why it was a matter of repeating alpine skiing behavior. After a short warm-up on the slopes to get a feeling for the new skis (even after years of skiing experience, the wide KÄSTLE skis were a short change for me) and to recall the good-old ski course exercises, we finally went off-piste.
Unfortunately, Mother Hulda was not entirely on our side, which is why we had to fight our way up the fresh untouched slopes. However, the ascents (partly on foot with skis shouldered) were definitely worth it and a few tracks in untouched slopes we may also call ours. The experienced guides navigated us through the terrain, gave us helpful tips and explained the situation. Even before lunch, all participants showed visible progress in terms of freeriding.
After a well-deserved snack in the Habicht Stube on the Eisgrat, the ladies and I started the afternoon highly motivated. With the experience of the morning, we now already mastered the first steeper runs with the help of our guides. "We did it" - proud faces greeted me as I boarded the gondola back to the valley at the end of the day. Tired and completely satisfied, I headed home, while the participants relaxed at dinner in the hotel and prepared for the next day.
I must say, even though the day was very intense, the time flew by. I can only recommend the Freeride Camp on the Stubai Glacier to every lady, to get a taste of powder skiing or to expand your existing knowledge. I was able to learn so much in just one day - whether it was about my skiing technique or avalanche awareness. I am definitely hooked on freeride skiing now and I'm already looking forward to the next season. After all, practice makes perfect!
My tip: the next KÄSTLE Powder Department Ladies Days at the Stubai Glacier are already being planned. To get hold of one of the popular places, it's worth being quick. More information is available here.
Nothing has to, everything can - that's the motto of the Kästle Powder Department Ladies Days. With empathy and a high level of expertise, the state-certified mountain and ski guides will take all action-hungry ladies beyond the edge of the slopes again from January 27 to 29, 2023.
Tempting deep snow slopes and unspoilt downhills invite to enjoy freeride skiing. On the Stubai Glacier this trend sport is vigorously boosted with the new Powder Department. Snow safety, a great variety of lines and numerous freeride possibilities make the Stubai Glacier in the Tyrol a top freeride area in Austria.
Minimizing the avalanche risk starts not only on entering the open ski area, but at home!
Deutsch
English
Italiano
Polski
Čeština
Pусский
Suchen & Buchen 
Skitickets 
zum Skiverleih 
Online Shop