January 22, 2014
From Stockholm to powder in Innsbruck, almost
The anticipation for this trip was high. I’ve been working double jobs all autumn and seen my facebook feed filled with early season powder shots. I’ve seen the rain fall in a very grey Stockholm, hoping it would turn into snow. Anyways, what do you do when you’re longing for something really bad? You make plans! So I’ve did. I bought a car that I named Mr Bombastic. He’s a great car, strong, big, but makes funny sounds when you turn in sharp corners, it sound almost like an old ancient ship rolling on the Atlantic Ocean. Anyhow, time flew by and suddenly it was time to head to the country of yodeling, schnitzel, and ski racing. And we almost got all the way there. Almost. 30 minutes outside Innsbruck it broke down. The alternator was kaput. I’m not going to tell you too much about our wrecked car, but let’s just say it’s lucky that we great friends that could help us out. Thanks Raphi, Fabi, Lukas and the Götzens crew.
[caption id="attachment_1280" align="alignnone" width="662"] So far so good..[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_1282" align="alignnone" width="662"] Not looking so hot anymore Mr Bombastic[/caption]
Finally we had the mountains around us. In Innsbruck the mountains makes the city feel like a fort or a castle. They’re surrounding you all the time wherever you go and it makes you think about skiing constantly. Or at least for me. But the beer-loving yodeling Austrians thinks there’s not enough snow right now. I hear people complain about the snow conditions a lot, but I guess it depends on what you compare it to. For me who’ve mainly been skiing in Sweden the last two years the snow here is great! And the easy accessible terrain here around the Bruck is so bombastic tele fantastic! But a picture says more then hepas of words so let these photos speak for themselves.
[caption id="attachment_1283" align="alignnone" width="662"] Hiking our favourite in Axamer Lizum[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_1285" align="alignnone" width="662"] Keep those legs nice and tight Neil![/caption]
[caption id="attachment_1287" align="alignnone" width="662"] Maybe not so far apart Tove..[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_1310" align="alignnone" width="662"] Neil the bird[/caption]
I also got the opportunity to tag along with the Whiteroom Production film crew for their trip to Italy. It was dumping all day long and the gondolas where fogging up. It was really deep snow but a bit heavy and we were only doing laps in the forest. It was rad to see the boys work in front of the camera, and of course also impressive to see the camera man do what he’s best at. I was struggeling a little bit this day, I think it's because I'm not used to so much powder! Seriously, I didn't really know how to just go with the flow. But by the end of the day I kind of got hang of it. Lucky me!
[caption id="attachment_1284" align="alignnone" width="662"] I'm getting the hang of it[/caption]
Back from Pizzaland to our new home resort, Axamer Lizum. So many fun runs around there and everything is very easy to get to. But don't tell anyone because it's a secret. So here are some more photos for you to enjoy.
[caption id="attachment_1300" align="alignnone" width="662"] Posing at the top of Axamer Lizum[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_1299" align="alignnone" width="662"] The usual run to get back home, love it![/caption]
[caption id="attachment_1281" align="alignnone" width="662"] One word, Austria.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_1301" align="alignnone" width="662"] Life is good[/caption]
From Stockholm to Innsbruck, almost, and now futher into the Alps for some Freeride World Qualifier competitions. Stay tuned for more updates! Auf Wiedersehen!