Vorarlberg expands its freeriding course program

With the start of the current winter season, the Vorarlberg ski region is responding more strongly than before to a new trend known as freeriding and is now offering courses in this type of skiing throughout the region. Freeriding means skiing off marked pistes in open terrain, which naturally involves certain dangers and should therefore only be undertaken in groups by truly experienced winter sports enthusiasts.

The relevant courses in the Vorarlberg region explicitly cover the dangers of freeriding, such as avalanches and getting lost in the terrain. Participants also receive instruction in general snow safety, first aid and tour planning, so they will know exactly what to do—and what not to do—in an emergency. Even after successfully completing a freeriding course, this type of skiing should only be practised in groups and under the guidance of someone familiar with the area, to avoid particularly avalanche-prone areas and ensure adequate consideration for the environment.

Some of the most popular freeriding areas in the Vorarlberg ski region include Arlberg, Kleinwalsertal and Klostertal. Although freeriding routes are generally ungroomed, so skiers usually encounter powder snow, there are also several marked routes in Vorarlberg and the neighbouring ski areas. Prices for freeriding courses in Vorarlberg may vary slightly, but are around 300,- per person, including the course, ski pass and three nights’ accommodation. The package can also be extended to seven days.