The Kitzsteinhorn is the off-piste destination in Salzburger Land, Austria: with its high altitude and varied off-piste terrain, the majestic mountain near Zell am See-Kaprun is a popular spot for freeriders and splitboarders. According to the motto “Freeride XXL–Safety first!”, five routes near the pistes await freeriders of all skill levels, while splitboarders will find two marked ascent routes.

Varied terrain off-piste

Cliff jumps, powder fields, natural pipes, and top snow quality thanks to the high altitude make the Kitzsteinhorn an off-piste paradise for freeriders. The five signposted routes close to the lifts offer backcountry fun in XXL format: freeriders can enjoy the varied terrain of the “Ice Age”, “Westside Story”, “Left Wing”, “Jump Run”, and “Pipe Line”.

Before they get started, however, safety is the top priority. Even on marked routes, you leave the secured pistes and must not forget the basic rules for snowboarding in open terrain. Wearing avalanche safety equipment should be a matter of course. On the Kitzsteinhorn, freeriders can also get the latest information on the freeride routes, the weather, snow, and avalanche situations as well as equipment tips at the Freeride Info Base near the Alpincenter where they can also check their avalanche transceiver. The Freeride Info Points at the beginning of the routes provide a topographical map with information on the steepness of the slope, danger spots and the most beautiful line. Workshops for beginners and advanced riders are offered in cooperation with two ski schools on the weekly Freeride Mondays.

Two routes for all tourers

Splitboarders will find two marked ascent routes along the piste, both starting at Langwiedboden (1,976 meters): On the “Schneekönigin”, they climb 474 meters in altitude before they reach the Alpincenter at 2,450 meters. The longer “Icebreaker” route leads over 899 vertical meters to the mountain station of the Maurerlift at 2,875 meters. Another route opens later in the winter on the Maiskogel. It starts at the Maiskogel parking lot and leads to the mountain station of the Almbahn at 1,733 meters and on to the valley station of the 3K K-onnection at 1,570 meters. Plus, the guided tours, which will be offered every Thursday from 28 December 2023, offer sporting and scenic attractions: A state-certified mountain guide takes participants up the pristine Tristkogel (2,642 meters). The guiding, including emergency equipment, costs 105 euros (excl. ticket). Registration by 6 p.m. the day before at the e-mail address info@bergfuehrer-zellkaprun.at or www.bergfuehrer-zellkaprun.at.

Highlights: Risk’n’fun Freeride Camp and X OVER RIDE

Numerous highlights offer additional reasons to come to Kaprun. At the touring test on the Maiskogel on January 17, 2024, ski touring enthusiasts can test the latest touring boards and boots for the 2023/24 season free of charge. The professionals from Bründl Sports will be on hand to offer advice and help you choose the right product. From February 4 to 8, the Risk’n’fun Freeride Camp by the Austrian Alpine Club offers a training program for freeriders. Things will then get exciting on March 23 when the pros of the freeride scene compete at the X OVER RIDE 2024 and collect points for qualification for the Freeride World Tour at this 3* FWT qualifier.

Please find further information on Freeride XXL and the splitboarding routes at www.kitzsteinhorn.at.