Looking for Freedom
Freeriding in the Dolomites
“Freeriding is true freedom…,” says Austrian ski pro and Salewa ambassador Björn Heregger, who was lucky enough to turn his passion into his actual job. “You float almost weightlessly through the powder while snow gets in your eyes. You are totally focused, the only important thing is that very moment.”
For Björn the most fascinating thing about freeriding is being so close to nature; the almost unreal journey through the snow covered forests; the unique glance at the Dolomites with the Marmolada or the Sella peaks.
“When you’re up there and yours is the first trace on an untouched slope, that image just stays with you until late at night and you feel like you want to do it all over again,” says Björn, who has a strong preference for the slopes of San Martino di Castrozza. He spent some unforgettable powder days there during the past couple of years and he is convinced that those are peaks you could spend an entire day in and around. There are slopes facing north and south, so that you can switch from powder to more compact, icy snow. On the other side of the mountain, there are some beautiful woods and you can reach them all hopping on and off a single cable car. “Aside from all the enthusiasm, free riders should never forget to care for their own safety,” says the Austrian pro. When skiing in an unknown area, it is always advisable to follow a guide or a local expert. Furthermore, the right equipment is an absolute must: a complete gear should comprehend not only shovel and probe but also proper skis and a good helmet. An avalanche backpack could save your life. Also a mobile phone should always be at hand. After a long day, Björn gains his strengths back with a pizza diavola. What he loves most in Trentino is great hospitality, luscious wine and a good espresso. “ People really do enjoy their time here. They live closer to nature than in other places and they are just less stressed-out.”
PS: In 2016 the SALEWA “Climb to Ski Camp” will take place in San Martino di Castrozza . Young freeriders can take part in an online game based on the SALEWA campaign “get vertical” and go on a three days tour with the ski coaches Björn Heregger, Luca Pandolfi and Arnaud Cottet.
