Simon Wohlgenannt
The Vorarlberge native Simon Wohlgenannt knows the mountains of the Montafon like no other freerider.
Simon about the Montafon from the perspective of a freerider
He will never be bored there: The runs are far too diverse.
What significance does the Montafon have as your home area?
Here I have the opportunity to live my skiier’s dream: in the morning at the front door in ski boots, ski on my shoulder, five minutes to the railway and right into the powder."
Why free riders go into the Montafon?
The Montafon is particularly interesting when choosing a rapidly accessible, playful freeride terrain. Many of the descents start directly at the summit stations. And they do not have as many visitors as other large regions. I would be happy for it to stay like that."
What are the advantages of the individual Montafon areas?
The Silvretta Montafon trumps the others, with the most, the longest and the most varied slopes – the Hochjoch is my personal favourite playground. The Golm is interesting for those who seek less stressful terrain. In Gargellen, the “Nidla” offers a very special off-piste descent. And the Silvretta-Bielerhöhe offers special experiences to very experienced freeriders. There, you can always find powder due to the high, isolated location.
Do you have a tip for area newcomers?
The first stop should be the ski school and mountain guides’ offices or the Freeride Centre in the Grasjoch summit station. Here you can get information about the current conditions and maybe a tip as well. In order to obtain an overview of the conditions, it makes sense to start off with a local mountain guide or ski guide.”
You start the winter season with perfectly waxed skis
Your skis, and also those of your friends, are in the best of hands with Simon. As a freeride professional, he has the best knowledge of pads, wax and sharp edges. After his ski service you will glide along on a cloud of winter’s first snow. Guaranteed.
Where does my passion for winter sports come from:
I grew up in the mountains. In my free time, the first path was always towards the outdoors, into nature. My family has also influenced me: skiing was our family sport. So I understood the connection with nature and the snow as a child, and have retained it to this day.
My favourite activity in the Montafon:
I love everything that happens in the mountains. Whether climbing, mountain biking or skiing. Each activity in the outdoors and in the Montafon mountains inspires me. In Vorarlberg, there is even a separate term for it: "id Bärg go".
My favourite place in the Montafon:
Just recently I was there again – at the summit of the Gamsfreiheit in the Rätikon. First for a beautiful climb to reach the top, and then being rewarded with a breathtaking panorama. When the Drei Türme rise before me in the sky, I know immediately: "I shall return!" Because every climb is worth it and is very special.
My best experience with a guest:
Each tour with guests is unique. When I as a guide can pass on my passion for the mountains and my home. When I see the sparkle in the eyes of a guest. When I notice that he’s forgotten everything around him and has a smile on his face. These moments are memorable and make the guiding a beautiful profession.
What the Montafon means for me:
The Montafon is a very down to earth valley. You can experience the mountains in a straightforward and incomparably natural way. From my home, in less than a minute I can be at the ski-lift, which brings me to my perfect training area. The Montafon is the ideal location and starting point for my work as a ski guide. And since I became a dad ten months ago, I feel even more at home here.
