Freeride World Tour: Lorraine Huber Checks in from Austria

Lorraine Huber FWT

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At the start of the winter, I was lucky enough to receive a wildcard for the second – of a total of four – Freeride World Tour women’s stop, the Scott Big Mountain Fieberbrunn in Austria. The contest, also a Freeride World Qualifier for the men, took place this weekend in generally good weather conditions. The quality of the snow on the Wildseeloder face was good, however due to the lack of a good snow base, options were limited to three to four main lines. As many competitors discovered, there was often only a thin layer of snow on relatively rocky terrain.

Female riders who chose a relatively easy line with good snow conditions, but able to ski fast and fluid, came out on top. Norway’s Ane Enderud, Freeride World Champion from 2009, dominated with a fast line in the furthest couloir on the skiers right, incorporating several airs.  Sweden’s Janette Hargin also showed great skiing with no hesitation in a similar line, while I was placed third by the judges for a fast and smooth line with one big air. New Zealand’s Janina Kuzma was close on my heels in four place with a well-skied, creative line she seemed happy with.

In the men’s field, Austria’s Matthias “Hauni” Haunholder, a local of Fieberbrunn, and Switzerland’s Simon Andermatten, shared the podium with two quite different, but very impressive runs. Third place went to Austria’s Stefan Hofer, followed by my skiing buddy and fellow Austrian Stefan Häusl.  —Lorraine Huber

Next up the Freeride World Tour heads to Squaw Valley to compete on the permanently-closed and legendarily steep Tram Face on February 27.

For more from Lorraine, read our interview with her or check out her blog.

Lorraine Huber FWT