Ever since we went to Revelstoke, Chris has been wanting to do a big mountain snowboard trip. In the summer of 2017, he found out about The Ski Week, an organization that plans week long trips to ski resorts in four different countries for skiers and snowboarders from all over the world. We chose to join the Austria week because we had never snowboarded in the Alps and Austria was the site of the original Ski Week.
The Ski Week Austria happens every year in Obertauern, a small village resort southeast from Salzburg. Obertauern is one of the largest ski centres in Austria, with over 100 kilometers of groomed runs serviced by one gondola, seventeen chairlifts and six drag lifts. Unlike other resorts I’ve been to, Obertauern felt vast.
After a long day of travel, I arrived at Obertauern and from the very beginning, the organizers were hard at work ensuring the group socialized and had a good time. After socializing in a snow fort for a couple of hours, we went to bed stoked to ride this massive resort.
From the very beginning, our goal was to free ride as much as we could. The first day I met some great riders and although the snow wasn’t great, it was an awesome start to the week.
We rode until the last lift and then got our first taste of the Austrian Apres Ski. It was incredible. The entire bar turns into a big party. Dancing on tables is not only allowed, but encouraged. Everyone in our group was having a great time.
The rest of the week we were up bright and early searching for great terrain to ride. For the remaining 5 days, it snowed at night and into the morning, ensuring that there were pockets of fresh powder off piste every day.
Everyday we rode some of the greatest alpine terrain we’ve ever ridden. Aside from riding and the Apres Ski, The Ski Week organized several events that were memorable and incredible, such as the torchlight descent on Monday night.
Another memorable event was the pond skim on Wednesday. The organizers made a 25 foot long pool, and participants tried their best to cross it on skis and snowboard. Chris did a fantastic job while me, not so much.
Finally on Thursday, Chris decided to propose to the love of his life, Anne-Michelle. It was a beautiful moment and I was very happy to be a part of it.
Overall, The Ski Week Austria was one of the best snowboarding trips I’ve ever done. The free riding was incredible, the weather couldn’t have been better, the people part of the week were amazing, and the parties were unreal. I strengthen my friendships with Chris and Anne-Michelle and made some new friends that I am sure I will see again. If you are looking for a unique ski trip to do, I highly recommend looking into doing it with The Ski Week. It exceeded my expectations.
