Mass start and mass pile-ups at the Frejn’s Freeride Inferno, Ischgl
Frejn’s Freeride Inferno, Ischgl – image © ineedsnow.com
With plenty of new snow over the previous day or two, the Freeride Inferno, Ischgl took place in epic snow conditions. It was not a day for sun block or spring clothing though, it was biting cold at the top of Ischgl and intermittent snow, great conditions to keep the powder in good shape.
Long hike into the first route – image © ineedsnow.com
The first run took place over in Samnaun on the Swiss side of the connected ski area with Ischgl, whilst the second route was beneath the Palinkopf on the Ischgl side of the ski region. Mass starts ensured some classic pile-ups in the tight sections and around the first gates in the courses.
Mass start Freeride Inferno, Ischgl – image © ineedsnow.com
The after race ‘grill and chill’ took place in its usual location next to the Schwarzwasserlift with a fire, beer and food and a DJ tent. Great location and great event – Ischgl really know how to put on some epic events.
Tough routes through the rocks – image © ineedsnow.com
I may not be able to take part in an off piste skiing race, being a blue skies/blue pistes chick – but I am sure I would be great at taking part in the Chill and Grill – fire, beer and food – bring it on
)
Well there were a few racers in the Freeride Inferno who were also ready for the blue pistes – suffice it to say they were some way off the lead. At the front of the field there were some exceptional skiers and boarders, many of them absolutely flew down a very tough course. I only caught the beginning of the Grill and Chill but it had all the ingredients for a long and colourful night high up in the Ischgl ski area, with a DJ and fire.