St Anton is one of the most sought-after locations for freestyle and backcountry skiing. The perfect environment for snowboarders as well. St Anton is unique in that it offers varied terrain and conditions for beginners, intermediates and experts alike. It’s also one of the most accessible locations for freestyle and backcountry snowboarding because of the nearby highway, rail and alpine lifts.
The St Anton backcountry has a reputation for being one of the best in Europe. There are over 90km of backcountry ski runs and the best of them are located in the “Kurzwelle” area that runs along the valley and connects the peaks. The ski runs are mainly accessed from the “Kurzwelle” ski area, however, it is possible to access the runs from other areas around the resort as well.
In this article we’ll discuss what you need to know about backcountry snowboarding in St Anton and how to get started.
What’s the best time to visit St Anton for snowboarding?
The best time to visit St Anton for backcountry snowboarding is throughout the year. However, some of the best conditions are in the winter months with less crowds and better visibility. There are four seasons in Austria: summer, spring, fall, and winter. The winter months are generally the most ideal as there are fewer people on the slopes and a lighter covering of snow that makes it easier to find the right lines.
Seasonal conditions will also play a role in what equipment you should bring with you. For example, if you’re visiting in summer your board will be more likely to get damaged by sand than if it was in wintertime when ice on the mountain provides an extra barrier against sand. Springtime also sees heavier snowfall which can make backcountry riding more difficult because of impassable drifts and deeper pockets of powder.
How to get to St Anton from Graz
You can get to St Anton from Graz by car through the highway that runs at a 45-degree angle. It is possible to access St Anton from this highway, however, the drive takes about 2 hours and there are no overnight accommodations near the ski area. Therefore, it is much more convenient and time-efficient if you take the rail or alpine lifts instead.
There are two types of rail system that you can use to get to St Anton. The first is the “Kleinwalsertalbahn” which runs from Styria to Arlberg and then connects with the “Arlberg Bahn” which will bring you all the way to St Anton. This railway leaves from Graz station every day at 6am and arrives in St Anton at 10am. The second option is using an alpine lift which goes directly to Kurzwelle and picks up at a train station in Graz called “Gerschnang”.
How to get to St Anton from Vienna
One of the most challenging aspects of backcountry snowboarding in St Anton is getting there. In order to get to St Anton, you will need to take a flight or drive from Vienna. The airport is only an hour away from the resort and it has easy access to all modes of transportation. Some people choose to fly into Salzburg and make their way up through the alpine ski resorts on the Kitzsteinhorn, Stubai and Zillertal ski areas before continuing on towards St Anton. Avoid this route if you are in a hurry as it can take over 10 hours of driving time.
Best Backcountry Board for Freestyle in St Anton
The St Anton backcountry is a great place for freestyle snowboarding as it offers a wide range of terrain and conditions. In this article we’ll discuss what you need to know about choosing the best board for freestyle in St Anton.
First, make sure you take into account your abilities and abilities of your partner or co-pilot. For example, if you are an experienced backcountry skier but have never done much jumping, then a board with less traditional features may be better suited to you.
Next, consider which type of snowboarder you are. If you are an intermediate level rider who mostly wants to ride in the trees and do some slow speed carving then a more traditional shape would work well. On the other hand, if you are an advanced rider who wants to put down some big air, then a board with more radical features could be more suitable for you than one that is more traditional.
You’ll also want to consider the size of your binding boots because many boards come with bindings specially designed for them. If the board has a smaller footprint than your boot size, then that might be worth considering as well!
Lastly, consider how steep the terrain is going to be when deciding on which board to purchase from our list below!
The St Anton Freeride Guide
St Anton Freeride Guide
When you’re snowboarding in the backcountry in St Anton, it is important to have a guide. Guides offer a unique perspective on the terrain and will take the time to get to know your needs. They can help you find the best runs for your style of riding, which is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when heading out into the backcountry. They can also help you navigate through difficult terrain and conditions, which could save your life.
It is also highly recommended that you bring avalanche gear with you on your trip because there are some risks in backcountry skiing. There are many guides available that specialize in outdoor recreation and adventure sports like backcountry skiing, as well as other activities including climbing, heli-skiing and alpine touring. So if you want advice about what adventure activities are available near St Anton or where to buy equipment, talk to a local guide or hire a professional from an agency like Alpine Adventures St Anton (http://www.alpineadventuresstanton.com)
St Anton Backcountry Grapes and Pitfalls
It isn’t necessary to purchase ski passes for St Anton’s backcountry. With a valid lift pass you can ride the gondola and ski lifts to the “Kurzwelle” area, which has over 90km of open snow. The backcountry is a great place to start off your skiing career.
This being said, this is also where many people end up getting stuck in their freestyle or backcountry snowboarding journey because they don’t know what they’re doing and make mistakes that will leave them with a sore neck or worse.
The first thing to understand about the backcountry in St Anton is that there are two distinct areas:
– The “Kurzwelle” area which runs along the valley connecting the peaks, and
– The rest of the 45km long ski run network accessible from other areas around the resort.
The first thing to do when heading out into backcountry on your snowboard is to become familiarized with these two areas so you know where you’ll be exploring once you’ve made your way down into the valley.
Conclusion
Austria is home to some of the best ski resorts in Europe. St Anton is no exception, but it’s also a great place to snowboard.
If you’re looking for a real backcountry experience and want to get a freeride fix, St Anton is the place to be. If you’re looking for an easy time with lots of options for easy terrain, St Anton is also a good choice.
From what we’ve seen and experienced, St Anton is one of the best places to snowboard in Europe.