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Skigastein Connects
Freeriding fun with Bernhard Gruber
As part of the Skigastein Connects series, freerider Sandra Lahnsteiner-Wagner meets Bernhard Gruber on the cross-country ski trail - the Olympic Nordic combined champion's true profession. However, the combined skier puts his cross-country skis aside for a joint mission.
Sandra takes Berni freeriding in Sportgastein to experience the incredible feeling of freedom in the Gastein terrain. This fulfils a long-cherished wish for Berni.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Bernhard Gruber's answer to the question of what winter in Gastein means to him
"You have so many options, it's incredible! You can also go ski touring and explore numerous peaks - the possibilities are endless. That's why the valley fascinates me, because it's simply unique."
Berni Gruber & Sandra Lahnsteiner-Wagner on the off pist - freeride
Early in the morning, the two winter sports fans meet at the Goldbergbahn Sportgastein cable car to plunge into freeriding fun. Sandra has taken care of the safety equipment. Shovel and probe are always in the rucksack, as is the avalanche transceiver (LVS).
After the ascent, it's time to get out of the gondola and into the snowy adventure! After just a few turns, Berni Gruber is already enthusiastic and talks about the addictive potential that the off-piste runs trigger in him. The Nordic combined skier acquired his skiing skills at a young age at the Bad Gastein Ski School.
Scenic stopover on the Kreuzkogel in Sportgastein
They take a break on the Kreuzkogel at 2,686 metres above sea level. The special thing about this summit is that it is easily accessible from the mountain station, but still offers a retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the slopes.
Over a cup of tea, the pair reflect on their enjoyable turns and savour the view of mountain giants such as the Sonnblick, the Großglockner and the Hocharn. Then it's off into the terrain again, where the pair make more tracks in the powder snow. At the end of the day, Sandra and Berni agree: this was certainly not the last day of freeriding they did together!
Introduced: Berni Gruber
The Nordic combined skier can look back on an impressive career:
- Date of birth and origin: born on 12 August 1982 in Bad Hofgastein
- Olympic successes: 2010 in Vancouver gold with the team and bronze individually from the large hill; further bronze medals: 2014 in Sochi and 2018 in Pyeongchang in the team competition
- Successes at world championships: 9 world championship medals in total, including 3 gold medals. 2011 in Oslo with the team (normal hill and large hill) and 2015 in Falun in the individual event on the large hill.
- End of career: February 2021 due to health problems following heart surgery.
- Current job: Head of base training in Bischofshofen at the Salzburg Provincial Ski Association.
Berni Gruber is still active in sport today. He has of course remained faithful to cross-country skiing. He has discovered tennis as a new leisure activity.
Would you like to know who else was part of the Skigastein Connects stories alongside Bernhard Gruber? Then get an overview on the overview page.
More winter sports activities in Skigastein
If you want to cross-country ski like Bernhard Gruber, we recommend the trail named after him. It is part of the Skigastein high-altitude trail and is suitable for classic technique or skating style. Numerous ski touring routes, winter hiking tours and toboggan runs provide even more variety - there is definitely something for everyone.
Ski touring
Winter hiking
Tobogganing
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