A skier stands at the start of the freeride run, surrounded by a glistening white blanket of snow.

The best freeride run at the Arlberg.

Powder snow, endless slopes, and a local who knows the Arlberg better than almost anyone: freeride pro Martin “McFly” Winkler takes us along on his favourite runs—and reveals why, for him, the “Klemm” is the most beautiful run in the Alps.

Growing up with snow.

“The north-facing barrier shaped my childhood—winter after winter brought endless powder.”
– Martin “McFly” Winkler

Winkler discovered his passion for deep snow at an early age. His father, an avid skier himself, introduced him to the slopes of Warth-Schröcken. Tales of daring adventures along the Hochtannberg road fuelled his dream of one day carving the best lines in the Arlberg himself.

Freerider Martin Winkler rides through the powder snow, weaving his way between rocks.

Warth-Schröcken: The snow hole of the Alps.

Warth-Schröcken is no longer a well-kept secret: with an average of more than nine metres of fresh snow per season, it is the snowiest ski resort in the Alps. For freeriders, this means the best conditions from December well into spring.

“There are wide powder slopes, rolling terrain to play on, and regular fresh supplies—for me, the perfect combination.”
– Martin Winkler

Favourite spots with friends.

“Even days after the last snowfall, I can still find untouched lines at the Warther Horn.”
– Martin Winkler

Together with his longtime freeride buddy Alois Bickel, Winkler prefers to explore the slopes between Salober and Jägeralp, as well as the runs below the Warther Horn. The snow lasts particularly long there, and the terrain is playful—perfect for creative lines and small cliffs.

Note: Choosing the wrong route can quickly lead to dead ends or steep rock faces.

Freerider Martin Winkler rides through the powder snow, with snow-covered mountains rising in the background.

Sunny runs at Auenfeld.

Winkler doesn’t always head for the deep, snow-covered north-facing slopes. Sometimes he prefers to start his day in the sunshine—at Auenfeld. After a short ascent towards the Auenfelder Horn, playful slopes and impressive rock formations await, which have often served as backdrops for photo shoots.

Even here, the terrain is unsecured. Avalanche transceiver, airbag, experience, and knowledge of how to use them are essential.

Martin Winkler explains the surrounding mountains to his companion.

Martin Winkler leads his companion to one of the most beautiful freeride runs.

The Klemm: King of the runs.

His personal highlight, however, is the Klemm—a route that starts at the Mohnenfluh Saddle near Lech and descends over 1,000 vertical metres down to the village centre of Schröcken.

“The Klemm is, for me, the most scenic freeride tour in the entire Arlberg region. Every freerider should experience it at least once.”
– Martin “McFly” Winkler

The descent is spectacular: towering mountain backdrops, long lines, and a finish right at Winkler’s doorstep. In the past, the tour was often simply his way home—today, it ranks among his absolute favourites.

Caution: The Klemm passes through high-alpine terrain and is technically challenging. It should only be attempted with a local mountain guide.

For Martin “McFly” Winkler, the Arlberg is far more than a home spot—it’s his playground, training ground, and personal source of inspiration. From the playful runs at the Warther Horn, to the sunny slopes at Auenfeld, to the spectacular Klemm, the region offers everything a freerider’s heart could desire.