Powder season is finally here! We caught up with freeride experts Thilo Kehm from the German Ski Association Federal Teaching Team and Roman Rohrmoser about their love for freeriding and their top tips.
Roman Rohrmoser, professional freerider
- How did you get into freeriding?
“Growing up in the Zillertal, I was already on a set of skis as a two-year-old. From the age of five to fifteen, I even competed in alpine competitions and ski races, but that wasn’t enough for me. I wanted more, nothing could keep me away from powder and freeriding. “
- What one piece of advice would you give when freeriding?
“It is important that you are fit, physically and mentally. You should train your legs and body (especially your torso area) for your ski trip. By mentally, I mean that you should play out your next move in your head while skiing, make sure you are focused and 100% present on the mountain. The best thing is to take part in a freeride camp. At these a trained mountain guide points out dangers and offers helpful advice and tips. Lastly, never drive alone into the terrain and always be informed about the avalanche situation.”
- What are you looking most forward to this season?
“My planned film project about the mountain community, glorious powder days and good times.”
Roman’s Osprey Pack: Soelden Pro
“The Soelden Pro is the perfect freeriding backpack for me. Great fit, cool features, looks good and in an emergency it increases the chance that I will stay on the surface in the event of an avalanche.” – Roman Rohrmoser
Thilo Kehm, snowboard instructor in the German Ski Association Federal Teaching Team
- How did you get into freeriding?
“I only got into freeriding more intensively when I attended the avalanche course as part of my snowboard instructor training at German Ski Association. This teaches you the basics about avalanches and risk management. Later on, I completed further training to become a freeride guide and thus acquired the ability to lead a group off the slopes. “
- When is the best season for freeriding?
“It’s always the best season for freeriding; whether snowboarding, freeriding or splitboarding. It is always wonderful to be in the mountains and in the snow. But personally, I favour spring, as you have longer days and more sunshine. However, be aware of avalanches in spring, especially on a windy bluebird day (a sunny day after a heavy snowfall).”
- What one piece of advice would you give when freeriding?
“It is an advantage if you have good driving technique so you will be able to master the impassable terrain. I recommend everyone who has little or no experience with freeriding to get a guide. Not only is this safer but you will also be able to get to places which would have otherwise remained hidden. And lastly, don’t forget to have fun.”
- What are you looking most forward to this season?
“To my first splitboard tour in spring with fresh snow and glorious, sunny weather.”
- Where and when is there the most snow this winter?
“Anyone who is passionate about freeriding should definitely travel to Japan once. There is tons of snow every year. Those who want to make it more sustainable are also well looked after in the Alps. One of my favourite areas is Hochfügen in Zillertal, Austria.”
Osprey Podcast
Welcome to the Osprey Podcast, where we’ll be chatting to a whole host of our inspirational Outdoor Ambassadors and Athletes including Aldo Kane, Jason Fox and Anne Wangler to name just a few. We’ll be exploring the issues which motivate them and delving into their latest adventures. So if you’re keen to learn some lessons from those who take life and adventure to the absolute limits…stay tuned to the Osprey Podcast.
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