Deep snow, tricks and dreams
Freeride skiing at the Arlberg with Junior World Champion Jana Häusl
A deserted mountainside. A single breath. Then the first push. If you have ever been off-piste in deep snow, you will recognise this moment. Freeride skiing is a never-ending thrill, a process of assessing, testing and reacting. Jana Häusl, Freeride Junior World Champion (2024) from Strengen, knows this only too well. Growing up in the Arlberg region, her family would check the avalanche report first thing in the morning.
About Jana
- Age: 17 (born in 2009)
- Home: Strengen
- School and training: Ski secondary school in Stams
- Team: Freeride Team Ski Club Arlberg
- Biggest success to date: Junior World Freeride Champion (2024)
- For her, freeride skiing means: sport, freedom, adventure, friendship and zest for life
- Favourite spot: Rear Rendl (playful terrain, cliffs and powder)
- Goals: To win the Freeride World Tour; take part in the 2030 Olympic Games (if freeriding becomes an Olympic discipline)
Check? You need to practise …
… before setting off.
The first line outside the secured pistes requires a bit of preparation. When asked what matters most, the 16-year-old native responds with a checklist:
- A good technique: Practise turns, pole usage, etc. on the piste first.
- The right conduct on the terrain: Follow safety instructions: always ski down steep slopes one at a time, wait in safe places, never ski alone, always have your avalanche emergency equipment with you, etc.
- Avalanche safety: Check the daily avalanche report; some basic knowledge or training is a must.
Jana recommends taking local guides with you on your first freeride adventure: “This means you can also ski in secret spots, special runs that you wouldn't be able to find otherwise.”
What is the first time like?
Compared to groomed slopes, open terrain is challenging: steep gullies, untracked slopes, rocks and variable snow conditions. Jana does not have any specific memories of her first time skiing in deep snow. She learned to ski when she was two years old, and ventured off-piste when she was five. She can still remember when she realised that freeride skiing was “her thing”.
The perfect spot
There is nowhere else quite like St. Anton am Arlberg. This is confirmed by the Junior World Champion, who has already skied in several freeride regions around the world. The terrain features routes for beginners as well as professionals like Jana, ranging from wide, deep-snow slopes to challenging steep passages, narrow gullies and cliffs to jump from. “Thanks to the excellent lift system, you can reach any spot and access the best snow quickly.” Her personal favourites are the Rendl and Schindler slopes.
Between rush and respect
Freeride skiing equals freedom. But it also means being responsible – for yourself and for others. “You have to be able to rely on your mates. Freeriding is great fun, but only if everyone feels safe,” Jana says. Although she has never been in a dangerous situation herself, she has heard stories about avalanches. For this reason, she trains regularly so that she can react immediately in an emergency.
Arlberg’s freeride family
Jana Häusl's mother is a state-certified ski instructor and her father competed in the Freeride World Tour for nine years. Jana was the youngest member of Ski Club Arlberg's freeride team. Today, she is living her dream: ski school in Stams, training with the freeride team and hitting the slopes with Mum and Dad or her friends.
Leaving lots of tracks
Who has not seen them? Images of pristine, untouched slopes of deep snow, waiting for the renowned “first tracks”. Stefan Häusl, Jana’s father, competed in the Freeride World Tour himself and now trains Young people and professionals. He is particularly keen to emphasise this point: “freeriding does not always have to be on a perfect, unspoilt slope. Modern ski equipment makes even familiar routes fun.”
In clubs and associations, young freeriders learn skiing techniques, snow and avalanche awareness, and the skills needed to navigate freeride lines. Nine years ago, Ski Club Arlberg established Austria’s first junior freeride team.
There is a strong possibility that freeride sking will become an Olympic discipline by 2030. By then, Jana will be 21 years old and wants to be part of it, and why would she not? “Until then, I will need to train hard, hone my skills, and strengthen my mental resilience. There is still a lot to do, but I have another five years.
Safety Tips for Freeride Skiing
- Proper equipment (avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe, first aid kit, maybe even an airbag rucksack).
- Always ski down steep slopes one at a time and gather in safe places.
- Know what to do in different snow conditions.
- Carry out a safety check before setting off (check avalanche transceiver settings and battery level).
- Familiarise yourself with the avalanche report, which is available at www.lawine.tirol extern – avoid unsafe Areas
- Regularly rehearse the correct use of emergency equipment and what to do in an emergency.
- Exercise restraint in all things!
Everyone should attend at least one Avalanche course before heading out into open terrain. Jana and her family also regularly attend a safety training course: Avalanche transceiver: bury, search, probe and dig it out. Before each run, they discuss the conditions and hold a debriefing session after each descent.
On-site safety training
- Freeride safety training area on Rendl (open daily)
- Freeride checkpoints at the Galzig, Gampen and Rendl mountain stations where you can quickly check your avalanche transceiver before setting off
- Arlberg safety camp at the start of the season
