Nadine Wallner

Arlberg is my home mountain, I grew up here and still live at its foot in Klösterle am Arlberg. My playground, as I like to call the mountains here, are both motivation and a haven of tranquillity for me. For me, Arlberg is more than just a known powder mecca, it is my home, "mi Daham" as I would say in the dialect. There is work to be done in the mountains of Arlberg. And you have to spend some time here to get to know its many facets and not just the traditional guided routes. A bit of a spirit of discovery and mountain knowledge opens the door to many mini-golf lines, long big mountain runs and even one hidden couloir or another that equals the Dolomites. For me, there is no mountain the equal of it, combining flexibility and snow. From low tree runs up to high Alpine action or simple variations or ski tours, it has something for every mood. In summer as in winter, Arlberg feels like home to me.

I am generally out and about in Stuben on my skis. The old Albonabahn two-seat chairlift, which goes directly from Stuben, decelerates the thrill of Arlberg and gives you time to spot some pillow lines right under the lift. It can be great here even in bad weather. Even when the avalanche barriers are well filled with snow, you can bring out your box of tricks here. In fine weather, it continues up. Here, long runs which are easy to reach open up. Good snow can generally be expected on the north side of the Albona. Unfortunately, the Albona is not very sheltered, so you should beware of avalanches. The wind, architect of avalanches, wreaks its havoc here. But I prefer things quiet and remote. I generally put my touring skis on in order to reach the backcountry bowls.