01 Freeriding at the Kanzelwandbahn cable car in Kleinwalsertal

The valley station of the Kanzelwandbahn cable car in Riezlern in Kleinwalsertal at 1080 m is the starting point for this freeride ski run. From the mountain station at 1949 m above sea level, there is an initial descent to the Gundsattel saddle (1804 m), where a short, very steep section leading northwest into a basin must be negotiated. Afterwards, cross below the Gehrenspitze peak (1857 m) to the Riezler Alpe mountain pasture. Next there is a forest section, which soon leads into a large clearing, the so-called Gehrenhang area. Here, wonderful panoramic views open up down towards Riezlern. The rest of the way leads directly down to the starting point.

A tip from snow sports and mountain guide Olli Sinz

• Kanzelwandbahn cable car in the Fellhorn/Kanzelwand ski resort
• Guided freeride and ski tours: Bergschule Kleinwalsertal mountaineering school

03 Diedamskopf: Panoramic freeride tour for connoisseurs

From Schoppernau, take the gondola lift to the mountain station of the Diedamskopf ski resort at 2,050 m. After a short ascent to the Diedamskopf summit (2,090 m), enjoy the views from one of Vorarlberg’s most beautiful panoramic peaks.

The next destination, the mountain station of the Breitenalpbahn cable car, is accessible via various routes. From there, enjoy the Falzersee backcountry ski run. After a short ascent to the Falzersee lake, pass the Alpe Falz mountain pasture and continue to the  Neuhornbachhaus mountain inn. The slopes around the Neuhornbachhaus are also accessible via short ascents. The 5-km ski run back to Schoppernau leads through forests and clearings directly to the ski bus stop. The ski bus brings you back to the valley station of the Diedamskopf cable car.

Tip from snow sports and mountain guide Markus Moosbrugger

• Diedamskopf ski resort

05 Ski Arlberg: Madloch & Albona North Face

The Arlberg is known far and wide as the Cradle of Alpine Skiing. The area between Vorarlberg and Tyrol is also highly regarded in the freeride scene.  Freeride World Champions Nadine Wallner and Lorraine Huber, for instance, both hail from renowned villages on the Arlberg.

The Madloch is a groomed backcountry ski run in Zürs, famed for both its length and steepness. To the left and right of this famous ski route, there are long powder snow descents to Lech or Zug, including the classic Stierloch or Stierfall ski runs.

The Albona North Face above Stuben is one of the most legendary ski runs in Vorarlberg. In the early days of ski tourism, ski pioneers such as Hannes Schneider first carved their tracks in the snow here, just as freeriders from all over the world do today.

Tips from the snow sports and mountain guides Alex Klampfer and Lukas Kühlechner

• Ski Arlberg
• Guided freeride and ski tours: Whiteguides, Arlberg Alpin, High Zürs Ski Guides