FAQs

Yes, there are numerous snowboard shops and rental stations in the Arlberg region where you can rent the right equipment. Whether you need a snowboard, boots, backpack or safety gear – you'll find a wide selection of the latest equipment in Lech, Zürs or St. Anton.

Here you'll find a good selection of snowboard equipment:

Lech am Arlberg: Skibex, Sportalp

St. Anton am Arlberg: Surfers Paradise or S'no Control, Sport Alber

Especially for beginners, it's a good idea to rent snowboard equipment first. At a rental shop, you can try out different boards and find out more quickly which setup suits you best. Plus, the equipment is freshly serviced, adjusted to your weight and height and technically up-to-date – definitely better than borrowing an old board from a friend.

It's also advisable to borrow or at least test safety equipment like avalanche transceivers (beacons), shovels and probes beforehand. While all avalanche transceivers function similarly, they differ in operation and handling. Anything that feels intuitive to you should definitely be tested before you buy or use it.

As a beginner snowboarder, you don't need complicated special equipment – what's important is functional, weatherproof clothing and well-fitting gear. The best approach is to dress in layers: thermal underwear, a warm layer and a light, waterproof jacket. This way, you stay flexible whether it's cold, windy or sunny.

Good gloves are especially important, as snowboarders have more contact with the snow than skiers. A helmet is recommended protective gear for snowboarding – not mandatory, but definitely advisable, especially for beginners. Those who want additional protection can also wear a back protector, but it's not required.

Essential equipment also includes ski goggles for poor visibility and windy days, as well as sunglasses or ski goggles for sunny days. A small bottle of water and a snack in your backpack are also helpful so you can refuel between runs.

For beginners, the snowboard should be short and easy to turn. Ideally, the length should be between your chin and shoulder, depending on your weight. A shorter snowboard is easier to control and more forgiving of mistakes. Snowboard boots should fit comfortably, snug at the front but not pinching – it's important that your toes aren't pressed against the front of the boot.

If you are unsure, a visit to the rental shop is recommended, especially at the beginning: There you will get snowboard equipment tailored to your level and you can try out different setups.

When freeriding off-piste, the right equipment is absolutely crucial. Essential equipment for freeriders includes an avalanche transceiver (also called a beacon or LVS in german), an avalanche shovel and an avalanche probe. No freerider should venture into the backcountry without this safety equipment – it's an absolute must.

Additionally, you'll need a backpack to store all your safety equipment. A backpack with a board attachment is recommended, as this allows you to comfortably carry your snowboard on your back during short hikes or steeper sections, leaving your hands free – for example, for poles or climbing sections.

An avalanche airbag backpack (ABS) is not mandatory, but it is recommended. Whether with or without an airbag: what's important is that you know your equipment and can use it safely.

If you have no prior experience with avalanche transceivers, shovels and probes, that's no problem. We can gladly arrange a training session so you can learn how to properly use freeride safety equipment and be prepared in case of an emergency.

In addition to safety equipment, freeride gear includes ski goggles, sunglasses, a helmet, warm clothing, a small snack and a bottle of water. Telescopic poles can also be useful for short ascents.

Whether you take out specific insurance is entirely your own responsibility. For freeriding, touring and snowboarding adventures off-piste, accident insurance with rescue coverage is strongly recommended. This way, you're covered in case of an emergency requiring rescue.

Especially during alpine expeditions, rescue operations such as mountaineering or helicopter rescues can quickly cost several thousand euros. These costs are not automatically covered and should be clarified in advance.

Important to know: The guide is not responsible for your insurance or its coverage. Each participant is responsible for ensuring they have adequate insurance and for checking their own insurance coverage.

If in doubt, it's worth checking with your insurance company before the tour to see if rescue costs, off-piste activities and snowboarding in alpine terrain are covered.

The meeting point is always arranged individually and depends on the circumstances and the day's schedule. The exact details are usually finalized shortly before the appointment.

If you are unsure or have any further questions, simply contact me by phone or WhatsApp – this way details can be clarified quickly and easily.

A typical lesson day lasts 4–5 hours. For freeride guiding, hike & ride or splitboard tours, the duration can vary depending on fitness level, snow conditions, weather and destination.

Especially on tours or adventures, flexible timeframes are normal. If you want to know exactly how long your day or tour is planned to last, it's best to quickly ask by phone or WhatsApp – this way, individual details can be discussed directly.

The basic principle is: there's no such thing as bad weather, only bad equipment. Bookings aren't automatically cancelled due to the weather, because there's almost always something that can be done.

Freeride guiding is always tailored to the current conditions and avalanche warning level. If conditions don't allow safe freeriding, the plan will be adjusted accordingly. If you have any weather-related concerns before your scheduled trip, please get in touch – we can then discuss the plan together.

For freeride guiding, you should be able to confidently ski red runs and maintain control even on varying terrain. Powder experience is advantageous, but not essential. Taking your first steps into freeriding is also possible. Those with little off-piste experience can be gently introduced to the terrain.

It's important that you're open to new situations and enjoy learning. The exact level and the most suitable tour will be individually tailored during booking.

Snowboarding experience is of course required, splitboard experience is not necessary.

The handling of the splitboard and the basic techniques can be explained and practiced together on site. It's important that you bring your own splitboard equipment or rent it beforehand. I`m happy to help you to choose the right equipment and provide instruction on how to use it.

No. All bookings are individual.

Lessons, guiding or adventures are possible even for just one person. Depending on the activity (e.g., snowboard lessons, freeride guiding or tours), there are different maximum group sizes. It's best to simply get in touch and then we can discuss what suits you and your group.

Lessons and guiding are possible in German or English.

You can pay in cash or by bank transfer. Please note that direct card payments are not possible on site.

After booking, you will receive the bank details for the transfer. If you prefer a different payment method, please clarify this directly when booking.

Yes. Heliboarding is billed separately, as it incurs additional costs that are not included in the standard price for guiding or lessons.

This typically includes:

• Costs for the helicopter flight (e.g. per person or per flight minute/zone)

• Special permits or landing fees, if required

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These additional costs are usually paid directly to the provider or on-site by prior arrangement. It's best to clarify the payment details and whether prepayment is required when making your inquiry/booking.

Lift tickets and other costs such as meals, overnight stays in mountain huts or a helicopter are not included in the price and must be paid separately.

Please purchase your ski pass before the start of your lesson or tour so we can get going right away. This saves time and ensures a relaxed start to the day.

Cancellations are subject to the usual conditions that apply to snowboard guiding, lessons and tours:

• Up to 14 days before the appointment: free cancellation or rebooking possible

• Up to 7 days before the appointment: partial cancellation fee depending on the change

• Less than 7 days before the appointment: no refund

If you need to cancel at short notice, please get in touch as soon as possible as often an individual solution can be found, e.g., rebooking.