- The laid-back 3
LOCAL HEROES
Fresh Powder and untracked terrain are their Playground. They compete at international & national contests, as the "Open Faces Series", show their skills in several video productions and are on their way to the top of their sport. We would like to introduce them to you:
MAX STEINER
- From: Saalfelden (Salzburg)
- Born in 2002
- Partner: K2 Skis, Helly Hansen, Nakedoptics
- Instagram: @maxx_steiner
What's on your agenda soon?
I have a few FWQ Contests coming up this season. It's also my first season at the Freeride World Tour Qualifiers, as I started at the juniors the years before. I'm planning a smaller film project with Markus too.
What does your perfect day in the backcountry look like?
My perfect day off-piste starts with an early ride on the mountain at the Skicircus, plus the snow and weather is perfect for safe departures. However, the most important thing is the group you go driving with and have fun.
Your secret spots/favorite runs at the Skicircus?
My favorite runs are definitely one of my favorite runs: From the Hochalm-lifts down to Fieberbrunn, the variations at the Dillinger Eck around the Limberlift and the "Amsel".
Where is the best "Kaiserschmarrn" in the Skicircus?
You'll get the best "Germknödel" at the Westgipfelhütte.
MARTIN KOGLER
- From: Fieberbrunn (Tyrol)
- Born in 1999
- Partner: Line Skis, Full Tilt Boots, Giro Snow
- Instagram: @m.kogler
- 3 film productions with MOUNTAIN TRIBE
- Member of the Mountain Rescue and Avalanche Commission in Fieberbrunn and authorized canyoning guide
What's on your agenda soon?
We (MOUNTAIN TRIBE) are starting our biggest film project yet in early March. The plan is to cross Tyrol on skiing and assistance by lifts, but we will also include some big mountain lines through our journey.
The start will be at my hometown in Fieberbrunn and the finish in St. Christoph am Arlberg. We have had the project in our heads for 2 years and this season we would like to finally realize it.
What does your perfect day in the backcountry look like?
However the conditions are, as long as you are with your friends any day can be perfect. My perfect day starts with a departure from the ski resort, then a hike and ends with a nice run down.
Your secret spots/favorite runs at the ski circus?
Puhh... I have to be honest, I don't really like to tell them, otherwise they wouldn't be called "Secret Spots".
In Fieberbrunn, however, I can recommend the "Wildseeloderrunde", so you have many possibilities to draw your tracks into the snow without climbing. At the end of the day, the long departure into the Pletzergraben is suitable, where you can take the taxi back to the resort. In case of snowfall or bad weather, I would recommend the terrain around the Lärchfilzkogel, as you have a very good contrast there through the forest. But please pay attention to the wildlife-protection-zones and the corresponding avalanche warning level!
Where is the best place for typical Austrian food?
My absolute favourite place in Fieberbrunn is the "Wildalpgatterl". You'll get really good Austrian Food here.
MARKUS BREITFUSS
- From: Maishofen (Salzburg)
- Born in 1994
- Partner: K2 Skis, Salewa, NakedOptics
- Instagram: @mbreitfuss
What's on your agenda soon?
Contest season always starts in the first week of the new year. This year, for me, mainly contests within Austria are on the agenda, but also in France and Switzerland I will probably go to the start. In addition to the contests, there should also be time for smaller photo shoots. At the end of winter I want to start a small film project and be in one or the other Freeride event.
What does your perfect day out in the backcountry look like?
The perfect day for me starts with a good breakfast to have enough energy. After that, we'll take the first gondola to the mountain. Whether it's bluebird or snowfall, with enough snow and good friends, it's always a good day on the mountain and you're guaranteed to have a lot of fun.
Your secret spots/favorite runs at the Skicircus?
There are a lot of ways to catch a cool powder run at the Skicircus. From ski-routes to steep departures, there's something for everyone. My favorite is, among other things, the famous "Amsel" to the Spielberghaus, but for which you should bring good freeride knowledge.
Where is the best "burger" at the Skicircus?
One of the best burgers is, as mentioned before, via the "Amsel"-Run. At the end of this super cool run, there is the Spielberghaus, where you are served the best deer-burger in town. It's a perfect way to end the day as a freerider.
