Guides are absolutely essential - image © ineedsnow.com

I skied the Krippenstein Freeride Arena back in January in really atmospheric conditions. The skies were heavy and the views down to the lake were something special. This shot was of the local guide and a couple of the group on one of the off-piste routes from the main Krippenstein area down to the mid-station above Obertraun. This was serious terrain and a guide is an absolute must, be also if you are a keen skier or snowboarder then the Krippenstein Freeride Arena is also and absolute must.

Krippenstein Freeride Arena Sekundenjagd ski race – image © ineedsnow.com

Long before the fizzy drink fueled extreme sports event craze arrived, the Sekundenjagd freeride off-piste event (that dates back as far as the 1950’s) tested the very best skiers and snowboarders down a loosely marked route in the Krippenstein Freeride Arena. The latest race is taking place on the 11th April 2009 and for those wanting to see some of the finest regional skiers and snowboarders throwing themselves down some seriously steep stuff, the cable car company is offering free rides for spectators not carrying ski or snowboard gear. There are expected to be around 70 racers taking part in the event. The Krippenstein Freeride Arena is located above the wonderful lakeside ski holiday village of Obertraun.

I skied the Krippenstein Freeride Arena with a guide in January 2009 – it was steep, tough and had some great powder sections, check out the video taken using a helmet camera.