Most Austrians are certainly familiar with Stephan Görgl. It is not for nothing that Austria is probably the most skiing-mad nation. Stephan Görgl was one of the world's best giant slalom and super-G athletes until 2012.
After his alpine career, however, he didn't really hang up his skis. Stephan Görgl became a freeride guide and leads his guests to beautiful peaks and over the most brilliant powder slopes. What is the motivation behind this? We talked to him.
Hello Stephan! Thanks for taking the time to ask a few quick questions. What interests me the most: How did you go from being an alpine ski racer to a passionate freeride guide?
I have been "gondolaing" around the world for years and am a passionate skier. And that's why I have combined the pleasant with the useful and made my passion my profession and thus my vocation. That's why I guide ski trips.
You ski a lot and have seen countless ski resorts and freeride destinations. Which spot is your favorite?
My favorite spot for freeriding is definitely Innsbruck. That's also why I moved here. The mountains around Innsbruck offer really phenomenal opportunities and that's why I live there.
With Stephan Görgl to Livigno - learn more
Sometime is always the first time. What do you recommend to heliskiing newbies?
Quite simply: the right material is a basic requirement. And then to return to a classic, old ski technique: With a strong high-low movement out of the legs with a calm upper body. Legs closed, then half the battle is already done.
You've said that you've turned your passion into a profession. But what do you enjoy most about your "new" job?
What suits me most about ski guiding is that I get to spend a wonderful day on the mountain together with like-minded people. And when I can look at the happy faces after such a day, then I know that I have done something right.
Stephan Görgl will be on the road with you again next winter. And not only in Innsbruck, but also in Livigno. There it's back to heliskiing with great slopes and breathtaking panoramic views.
You want to learn more? Just get in touch. We will gladly send you a non-binding offer.
