Breaking Away

In the demanding world of winter sports, personal adventures are a rare luxury. As a sports photographer, my winter schedule is packed, especially when fresh snow is forecasted. The same goes for Max Kroneck, a professional skier, mountain guide and father of three. Despite our busy lives, we managed to carve out a single day for a much-needed adventure. Our destination: Ehrwald, perfectly situated between our hometowns.

The plan was simple yet exhilarating: to summit Wankspitze via the Via Ferrata instead of the usual ski touring route. This less-traveled path promised both, the thrill of climbing and the serenity of untouched snow. At dawn, Max and I met in the parking lot, ready to escape the hustle of our professional lives, if only for a day. Our journey began in the early hours of a crisp winter morning. As we strapped on our gear, the Mieminger Range glowed in the pre-dawn light – a sight that never gets old. The first part of our adventure was the approach via the skin track to reach interesting terrain. In my half-dreamlike state, I watched the tips of my skis as the switchbacks flew by, and before long, we topped out at Hölltörl.

Our main goal was on the opposite side of the gully, connected via a well-known ski tour already tracked out despite the fresh snow. In this corner of the range, well-trodden ski tours and seldom-skied terrain lie side by side. We had scouted the area and identified a promising zone nearby. But to know if those lines were skiable, we had to test them ourselves. We opted for a couloir in the middle of a rugged face, full of spines and drops. The snow was perfect, and our smiles grew larger with each turn.

Next up was our main objective, the Wankspitze. We chose the unusual approach via the North Ridge, a route rarely done in winter. Climbing the Via Ferrata was both exhilarating and demanding. Every step required careful coordination, with Max leading the way. The sound of our crampons crunching into the ice and the occasional clink of metal against rock filled the air. As the photographer, I enjoyed capturing the raw intensity of our ascent, with the stark contrast between the craggy mountain and the clear blue sky making for stunning shots.

an unconventional route breathed new life into a well-known mountain. Every glance revealed new perspectives, turning an ordinary ski tour into an extraordinary adventure. We fueled our climb with frozen gummy bears, taking few breaks as our excitement kept us moving. Each step brought us closer to the summit and the anticipation of untouched lines ahead.

during our ascent, eager to explore them. These lines offered a unique blend of challenge and solitude, far removed from the crowded paths below. Max led the way, navigating the steep slopes with grace and precision. Following in his tracks, I felt a sense of freedom that is often elusive in our professional lives. The snow was perfect – light and powdery – making for an exhilarating ride down the mountain.

At the summit of Wankspitze, the snow-covered landscape glowed around us. We paused to take in the breathtaking views. We could see the familiar ski routes below, but our eyes were drawn to the untouched lines of snow waiting to be carved by our skis. With the climb behind us, it was time to focus on the descent. Max and I had scouted several lesser-known lines

Throughout the run, I paused frequently to capture Max in action. His fluid movements against the pristine snow created images that perfectly encapsulated the essence of our adventure. These photos, I knew, would serve as a reminder of our day – a visual story of two friends escaping the pressures of

their busy lives to find solace and excitement in the mountains. As the day drew to a close, we found ourselves skiing into the twilight, the sky painted in hues of pink and orange. The day had been everything we hoped for.

On the way back to the car, as darkness fell, Max’s phone rang — his family was waiting for him. A glance at my phone revealed a flood of new emails: upcoming shoots, checking weather, organizing travel, and getting the job done. Back in Ehrwald, we packed up our gear and shared a quiet moment of reflection. We managed to squeeze in a day full of adventure amidst busy lives filled with obligations. It had just been one day, but our minds were cleared – we felt happy and free.