Moving Mountains

New Zealand, the land of desires and dreams; a country on the other side of the world, and a country where life AND skiing are far more laid-back. It seems like time stands still in the Southern Alps' mostly untouched nature. There's no sign of the stressful hustle and bustle of the European ski resorts. As a fact, you'll have to spend a long time searching for "real" ski lifts and groomed slopes. Instead, life's determined by a certain pragmatism and openness. Solitary "club fields" – ski resorts run by private individuals or local ski clubs – radiate a warm atmosphere and offer endless freeriding potential. Our search for breathtaking runs with friends and our dream of self-realization lured us into the heart of the New Zealand Southern Alps.

On trial: a mutual vision. September 2015. More than ten years have passed, and I am closing the loop. Finally, I am back on New Zealand turf. This time with my very own skis and a self-developed ski binding. At the time, I had spent five winters in New Zealand as a ski bum in a humble hippie community, surrounded by like-minded people. Every single day I spent on the mountain. Skiing became my purpose of life. At the same time, I developed the dream of starting my own ski company. Facing and realizing my very own, personal needs really set the ball rolling.

Against this background, I grew the idea of an innovative binding system for ski touring and freeriding – it would be the perfect system regarding safety, comfort, and performance; my goal was to never, ever accept compromise again. And here I am now. Surrounded by people who have been by my side all these years realizing my dream. In the heart of the New Zealand Southern Alps. And only a heartbeat away from the PINDING®'s maiden ride. My friends Michl, Joi, Jakob and I can still feel the jet lag after a 25-hour trip from Munich to Christchurch. A strenuous drive through the deserted no man's land of the Selwyn District later, we finally arrive at our destination: Craigieburn Valley.

The wind blows violently against our faces; visibility is poor, and it's cold. The untouched snowfield before us is capped by an icy crust. Skiing conditions are all but good. I can see the skepticism in my friends' faces: We are about to make the very first turns with prototypes of the new binding. A million thoughts rush through my head. Michl pats my shoulder, trying to motivate and encourage me. Confidence. I am extremely happy to have my friends around me. As I drop in to take the first turn, I am unbelievably tense. But nothing is happening. Turn after turn, I finally find my rhythm and ski towards the valley. My skis scrape across the icy crust. The noise is deafening! But the binding endures. I feel relieved and grateful.

But anxiety overcomes me once more as I turn my head to see my buddies up on the mountain. Judging by their speed, they seem to trust my construction more than I did. I have to smirk. And in one instant, all of the past weeks' – no, months' pressure starting my company and developing my binding vanishes. Joi, Jakob, and Michl charge past me. The smirk on my face turns into a broad grin. The binding is working. One powerful push, and I double my speed to keep up with my friends. That evening, we are super psyched. Like small kids who had just figured out how to bike without support wheels. Every single one of us is proud and happy with the result. The next day, we continue roadtripping through New Zealand's Southern Alps.

Porters Ski Area offers perfect conditions for ski touring. We hike the Porters backcountry to test the climbing performance of the binding. The test of the pin-tech system doesn't proceed all that smoothly, and I am a bit worried. Once more, it's my friends who cheer me up: "It'll be right mate"; five words, so typical for New Zealand. Obviously, Joi, Jakob, and Michl have already adapted to the Kiwi mentality. Driving across Arthur's Pass to the Mount Olympus Ski Club Field, we realize that our thoughts so far had only revolved around the binding. We have to change that. Our thirst for breathtaking runs should now be quenched in the challenging "playground of the Gods", a byname appropriate for the ski area located at the foot of Mount Olympus.

Over the next few days, we fully immerse into New Zealand's famous and fascinating, easy-going atmosphere. Values still play a major role in this country. We enjoy the stress-free skiing and love the open-mindedness of the people and their country, which is known for its ultimate safety. We feel protected, safe and sound. Far away from the fatiguing lifestyle and performance pressure of the densely populated and problem-ridden European continent, we are finally able to find inner peace. Success never happens alone. Of all things – here, on the other side of the world, amidst my friends, I suddenly realize what these words mean: With a vision and compassionate friends, you can manage to surpass yourself and push the boundaries. It's one mutual passion that makes us a team and allows us to excel. It's the mountains that run through our veins.