Once again plans were laid, locations picked out, and invitations were sent to a select group of 20 individuals to attend one of the ultimate freeride gatherings held on the planet, the First-Tracks Invitational. The location for this event was to be the in the Tirol region of Austria and riders from Japan, America, Switzerland, and Austria met to enjoy the best mountains in the region. Regretfully, mother nature did not allow us to conduct the event as planned, but not in the way of not enough snow, quite the opposite happened and we were blessed with large copious amounts of amazing powder that made riding conditions too dangerous. Not to be undermined a small group of the selected riders, organizers and friends headed to Stuben, Austria to take advantage of the great conditions and enjoy some of the best riding conditions of the season with plenty of first tracks laid on the incredible terrain of the Arlberg. We were greeted with crystal blue skies and fresh snow all over the mountain peaks. Everyone enjoyed a tremendous first day of riding and we headed to the Hotel Mondschein to enjoy great dining and beverages into the early hours of the morning and once again we were blessed to snow falling all throughout the evening. We awoke to blistering winds and were a bit skeptical of terrain conditions, but each bundled up tight and headed for the lifts to try another day of riding. Much to our surprise we able to find some great powder on all south facing slopes, but had to avoid riding on the north facing slopes as they had accumulated a 2-3 cm crust on top of a soft base due to the wet snowfall and cold winds. We had another epic day of hiking and riding in bluebird conditions. We made out way back to town for a nice lunch at the Alrberg Sport Cafe and then made our way back home with smiles on our faces and memories to match. Sometimes the best laid plans fall apart and we have no way to predict or change them, but the small group of riders that soldiered on to ride together and enjoy the mountains found exactly what they had come together for in the first place, good friends, good food, and great times with first tracks laid by all. I am already planning and looking forward to attending again next year always searching for the perfect line, but more importantly, being able to share the experience with both lifelong friends that all share the love of snowboarding and enjoying the mountains. 

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