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Victor Heim & The Austrian Alps

Fjordalp ambassador Victor Heim tells us about his home mountains; the Austrian Alps.

How would you describe the kind of snowboarding you like to do?

If I were to describe my snowboarding style, I’d say it’s all about the thrill of adventure. I’m drawn to remote, untouched places where I can discover new mountains and ride fresh lines. I enjoy the challenge of earning my descent, whether it means climbing to reach the entry or navigating through rugged terrain. For me, the excitement lies in the journey and the exploration of the unknown. Nevertheless, the most important thing will always be the descent and how you make it look

Where are you based / do most of your riding?

I’m based in Schwaz, that’s a small city in Tyrol.
Schwaz is more or less right in between Innsbruck and the Zillertal, where I spend most of my days on board. From here you have many opportunities to get into the mountains.

What do you like best about your home mountains?

In my opinion, the mountains here offer incredibly diverse terrain. Whether it’s navigating narrow couloirs or tackling big mountain lines, there’s a lot of variety to explore. When the conditions are right, the experience can be exceptional. There is a lot of tourism in Tyrol, which has of course not diminished in recent years, but with a little patience you can always find fresh lines.

Tell us about the natural environment; relief, climate, flora, fauna.

If you're lucky and the higher peaks get some early snow, you can start your snowboarding season as early as October. However, that’s usually just a taste of winter. The real season kicks off from December to February, when most of the snow falls. January often brings the heaviest precipitation with its harsh weather, but it now feels like winter is moving more towards spring. As the season progresses, we're always on the lookout for the next storm cycle. In Tyrol, with its many small side valleys, there’s usually a good range of options. The challenge comes when temperatures rise quickly after a storm, increasing the risk of avalanches and leaving only a short window to make the most of the fresh snow. That’s why I love spring—when the snowpack settles and conditions align, you can plan your tours well into late May.

What would your ideal day in the mountains look like?

A group of friends exploring the mountains close to home, perhaps with an overnight stay in a hut and an early morning start to catch the first light of day.

Any recommendations for visiting skiers and snowboarders looking for good snow and good terrain?

Connect yourself with locals and try to avoid social media hotspots.

Favourite Fjordalp product?

The EDM Stuff Sack is my favourite product. It comes in various sizes, making it perfect for organizing and storing all your gear. It’s incredibly handy, whether you're adventuring in winter or summer!

Images credits:

Header - Andreas Vigl

Image 1 - Phillipp Kaar

Image 2 - Simon Partl

Image 3 - Lukas Cairns

Image 4 - Tom Kieslich