ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
What is the Poederbaas Freeride Festival?
The Poederbaas Freeride Festival is a multi-day freeride event focusing on off-piste riding, safety, progression, and community. Expect guided freeride sessions, clinics, and an après-ski and party vibe.
Who is this festival for?
There are generally two types of attendees:
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Skiers & snowboarders who participate in the competitions. Experienced skiers and snowboarders who are comfortable riding off-piste and want to improve their skills with like-minded freeriders.
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Skiers & snowboarders who enjoy the sport but primarily come for the vibe and parties. It's great fun to watch the competitions, explore beautiful Kappl, and enjoy the après-ski.
Can I come for only part of the week?
Yes! You are always welcome. If you have to choose when to come, the highlights of the week are: Thursday (finals day + après-ski) and Friday (waterslide contest, prize-giving & BIG closing party).
Do I need a ticket?
Yes. A valid festival ticket is required to participate. Ticket types and what is included can be found at https://poederbaas.com/pages/poederbaas-freeride-festival
LEVEL & SAFETY
What level do I need for the competition?
You need to be a confident skier or snowboarder who can comfortably descend a red slope. It's good if you already have some freeride experience, but you don't need to be a pro.
Is off-piste experience mandatory?
Not mandatory, but highly recommended.
Are guides present?
We offer clinics with guides who will take you for fresh lines. Availability is limited, but there should be a spot for everyone. This week is not a continuously guided trip; you make your own way and bear your own responsibility.
Is Snowsafety training included?
We offer Snowsafety clinics: a 1-hour workshop covering the basics. Ideal for beginners and also good for refreshing your knowledge if you've done this before. This clinic is mandatory for first-time Freeride competitors.
Do I need avalanche safety equipment?
If you go off-piste, yes. A working transceiver (beacon), probe, and shovel are mandatory for the competition (and will be checked!). Additionally, you need a back protector; this can also be in your backpack. Outside of the competition, we of course recommend always taking your snow safety gear with you when going off-piste.
Do I need travel insurance with off-piste coverage?
Yes. You must have valid travel insurance that covers off-piste skiing or snowboarding. In many cases, off-piste skiing with a certified guide is included. We recommend the Dutch Ski Association (Nederlandse Ski Vereniging) or Sneeuwsport Vlaanderen.
What happens if conditions are unsafe?
Safety always comes first. The program may be adjusted or changed depending on weather, snow, and avalanche conditions.
EQUIPMENT & PREPARATION
What equipment should I bring?
If you're going off-piste, you need standard freeride equipment: skis or snowboard suitable for off-piste, helmet, and avalanche safety equipment (transceiver, probe, shovel). This will be checked during the competition.
Do I need touring equipment or skins?
If you want to participate in the Vertical Skimo: yes. This is a competition where you tour ski or splitboard 600 vertical meters; the first one to the top wins. We have limited touring equipment available, but it is highly recommended to bring your own. Touring equipment is not necessary for the Freeride competition.
Can I rent safety gear locally?
Yes, there are several shops where you can rent this in Kappl. If you want to be sure of availability, it's a good idea to call ahead.
Is an avalanche airbag mandatory?
Not mandatory, but if you have one, it's definitely advisable to bring it.
PROGRAM & EXPERIENCE
What does the program look like?
Every day is different. This is the first version of the program:
- Sunday: Opening party (NEW!)
- Monday: National/Belgian Vertical Skimo Championship, Rail contest (NEW!) & 90's party
- Tuesday: Clinics & Riders' Meeting
- Wednesday: Qualifier
- Thursday: Finals
- Friday: Prize-giving, Waterslide contest & closing party (NEW!)
Are there workshops or talks?
Yes. We offer various clinics during the week where you can learn more about snow safety, skiing, or snowboarding. Details will follow.
Is there time for free skiing/snowboarding/freeriding?
Yes! This week is all about connecting with others and riding together. All program components are optional (except the Riders' Meeting; that is mandatory if you participate in the freeride competition).
Is there après-ski or a closing party?
Yes. The festival includes social events, après-ski, and a BIG closing party to celebrate the last days in the mountains.
LOCATION & LOGISTICS
Where does the festival take place?
In Kappl, Tyrol, Austria. Approximately 1 hour's drive from Innsbruck.
Is accommodation included?
No, you arrange your own accommodation.
Can you help with finding accommodation?
Yes, we recommend booking via www.kappl.com. If you can't find anything there, look from Saturday to Saturday (some accommodations only rent full weeks instead of 3/4 days, but are still affordable). You can also always send an email to info@kappl.com, they will be happy to help you.
Is a lift pass included? Which lift pass do I need?
A lift pass is not included with your ticket. For the event, you only need to ski in Kappl, so a Kappl/See ski pass is sufficient. Some people enjoy skiing in Ischgl for a day; in that case, you can take the Silvretta Pass, which includes Ischgl, Kappl, See, and Galtür.
COMMUNITY & VIBE
Can I come alone?
Yes. Many participants come alone. The festival is very social, and you quickly get to know like-minded people. As soon as you have a ticket, you'll be added to the WhatsApp groups we use for communication. There, you can also ask if there's a free sleeping spot anywhere.
Is this a competition?
The Poederbaas Freeride Festival is the name of the week-long event focused on fun, skiing/snowboarding, and community. It is the overarching name under which we organize two competitions: the National/Belgian Freeride Championship and the National/Belgian Vertical Skimo Championship.
MEDIA & EXTRA
Is there photo and video coverage?
Yes, our media team will be present to ensure you have plenty of content to fill your social media for the rest of the year ;-)
Can I use the photos and videos myself?
Yes, absolutely. We do ask you to tag the photographer or videographer who created the material.
In which language is the festival held?
The main language is Dutch.
MORE QUESTIONS?
Is your question not listed here? Feel free to contact us via email at nala@poederbaas.com