As the days went on it became obvious that the ski touring terrain in Austria is Vast. Over the past few days we had explored both Zillertal and Axamer Lizum. It was time to go check out something that didn’t have a ski lift nearby. Within minutes Lorenzo knew exactly where to go to see something different. This time we would check out the area on the Austrian and Italian border.

After 15 minutes in the flats of the Innsbruck area we were making our way up a massive valley. Looking in all directions I was blown away by the endless options we were passing by. Soon enough we parked at the edge of a farm and started packing. Lorenzo’s good friend Marcus was joining us for the trip as it was a perfectly clear day.

Another Great Day Ski Touring in Austria

After a short skin through the woods we made our way into a massive wide open bowl. While there were already a few tracks there was more then enough space for more. Best of all was that there was already a skin track laid out. In front of us was over 2000 feet of north facing slopes buried in bottomless powder.

A switchback at a time we made our way up the northern slope. As we gained elevation the views became more and more stunning. Every direction I looked confirmed my beliefs that there was great ski touring in Austria. While the lower south facing slopes were melted out the high alpine was still buried deep in an early spring snowpack.

Arriving at the Summit

With the skin track being low angled we made our way up at a fast pace. Before long we arrived on the summit of Schmirntal and it was confirmed by a random pole sticking out of the top. It had taken us two hours to climb 3,000 vertical feet.

From the summit we had an unreal view of the surrounding mountains in every direction. The mountains were stacked with most of it being above tree line. I could easily see why so many loved the ski touring in Austria and was happy to be there. From our vantage point we could now see the valley that we had drove up.

After 30 minutes of taking in the views it was time to transition. After putting my board back together and throwing my skins in the backpack it was time to start riding. Below us was a perfect and wide open North facing bowl. Lorenzo had called it for the perfect place to head out touring.

Snowboarding Down the North Facing Slopes to the Valley

From the moment we dropped in the snow was bottomless and not sun affected. While other aspects would be holding heavy snow it was still dry and would kick up with every turn. As I rode down we could see the mountains that defined the border between Austria and Italy.

With the snow being deep and soft we could ride as fast as we wanted without fear of hitting ice. Marcus took advantage of the situation, charging off of a rock drop. While our past few days we had rode in upper valleys this time we would ride all the way to the valley floor.

From top to bottom it delivered amazing turns on an open canvas. Being north facing we were fortunate to have snow to the bottom as the south facing slopes were melted out at the same aspect. Before long we were making our way out of the alpine and starting to see small trees sticking out of the snow. Not only was it an amazing run but it was such easy access.

The Perfect Day Ski Touring in Austria

Soon enough we were back at the valley and making the last turns to the car. Though the snow up high was great it changed immediately when we hit another aspect. It had been yet again another great day ski touring in Austria. I had been there for less then a week and I had only scratched the surface of what is possible. Huge thanks to Lorenzo Rieg and Marcus for a perfect day in the backcountry.

if you would like to see more ski tours with Lea and Lorenzo check out this link

Check out this link for other ski tours abroad