After two days of riding around the Zillertal Valley it was time to check out a new place. With Lea back to work Lorenzo and I were off to Axamer Lizum ski hill. Driving through the Tirol Valley we were in a massive U shaped valley with 7,000 foot peaks surrounding us. 45 minutes later we arrived in the parking lot. From the get go we put on our skins and started making our way up the groomers.

Ski Touring the Backcountry of Axamer Lizum

Skinning under the lifts I was surprised to see numerous other ski tourers. Lorenzo joked with me that Axamer Lizum was one of the more popular ski touring areas around. It was easy to see why as between the ski lifts the main mountainous area was backcountry. Though the ski lifts went to some nice places they paled in comparison to the massif in front of us.

Before long it was time to leave the groomers and start breaking trail. I was happy to be with a local as he led the way up a steep chute that seemed to offer okay skiing. There were numerous skin tracks on the other side of the bowl but we were moving away from them. It’s always great when you go with a local as there is no time wasted.

A switchback at a time we worked our way up the steep couloir. To our backs was the resort terrain around Axamer Lizum and stunning open slopes beyond. It was a perfect day being clear and windless but best of all deep snow. We switched off on trail breaking duties making our way up to the ridge. This was Lorenzo’s backyard so he took me up one side of the mountain to set up to ride a another steep line into the opposing basin.

Preparing to Snowboard the First Line of the Day

When we got to the top I quickly realized why we were there. On the other side of the slopes was a steep couloir dropping into the next valley. With a steep roll over it was impossible to see where the line went but I trusted Lorenzo. Transitioning on the edge we took in the views and felt the snow underneath us. The only thing that I knew is that it would be great skiing as I stuck my pole into the snow. It was well over a foot of new snow without a firm layer underneath.

The first few turns were tight as Lorenzo made his way down. Carefully making his way into the couloir he cut into the snow and nothing moved. From what we could tell the slopes were stable and would be great riding. By now I had my first view into the line and was excited about what was below us.

Riding an Aesthetic Couloir in the Axamer Lizum Backcountry

Lorenzo made his way over to the dogleg before waiting for me on the upper wall. Once I was there he it was time to ride the second part of the line. It was an aesthetic couloir that situated between massive rock walls. Not only was the snow in the shade but being a sheltered gully you couldn’t ask for better snow conditions.

Before long we were in the steepest part of the line making our way over the second steep roller. By now the terrain had opened up a bit and we were able to work with the features along the way. With every turn the snow would kick up leaving massive plumes behind us.

Before long we made it to the lower part of the line and could see the valley below us. Working with the shade line I made turns in the sun. From top to bottom it was an amazing line and I was happy to be riding with a local. If I had been on my own I would have been intimidated dropping in blind.

Soon enough we were taking our last turns to the valley below. While we were only a 10 minute skin from Axamer Lizum ski area it was easy to find untracked lines. Below us we could see tracks from a few groups and were happy with our choice. From what I had seen we rode one of the more aesthetic lines around.

Ski Touring to the Next Bowl for our Second Run

Once at the bottom of our run we were at the base of a massive open slope. Unlike our previous run there were numerous tracks and a well put in skin track. After a small rest we switched back to skinning as the snow looked great. Before found ourselves at the base of a chute without any other tracks and started making our way up.

Up at the top we would have the upper 100 feet to track out a clean canvas until joining the trenches below. Transitioning on the ridge line we had a stunning view of Axamer Lizum and the Innsbruck valley. Soon enough Lorenzo was making his way halfway down the run leaving a massive trench behind him.

Noticing that no one had hit the massive sidewall he set up to snap some shots. With a quick thumbs up I dropped in and made my way towards the feature. Being both in the shade and wind loaded it was guaranteed to be deep.

Laying in a deep heel side edge I became submerged in snow. It seemed like most of the tracks were from skiers as it was a perfect turn for a snowboarder. By now we could see our exit down to the Axamer Lizum ski resort parking lot in the distance.

Before long we joined up with the rest of the ski tracks on the lower half of the bowl. I was surprised to see that most of them were tight turns and decided to straight line through a set. Once at the base of the valley it was time to ride back to the ski hill.

A Great Day Ski Touring in the Axamer Lizum Backcountry

It had been a great day and I am super thankful to Lorenzo for showing me around. Without a locals knowledge it still would have been great but I probably wouldn’t have dropped into the first line without seeing it. I had never heard of Axamer Lizum before but I was glad that he showed me around. I would highly recommend checking the place out if you are looking for easy access ski touring.