PowderPeople | Roger Fischer - Conditions reporter of the week

Hello, how's it going? How has your season been so far?

Hammer November and December. Then only rain in the Jungfrau region. Then a great freeride weekend in Davos at the end of January with lots of snow.

There's always a short round of introductions to start with. You are a ConditionsReporter at PowderGuide. What else should we know about you?

I will officially retire in 26 years. Until then, I'm still working as an investment advisor at a bank in Grindelwald. I also work as a freeride guide and offer paragliding tandem flights and hike and fly tours. After my 2 freeride guide books (about the Jungfrau Region and Davos Klosters) I am now writing a hike and fly guide in the Bernese Oberland. I am very pleased that my 2.5 year old daughter also enjoys skiing and snow. My hobbies are mountaineering, ski touring, freeriding, paragliding and speedflying. I grew up on the Pilatus and have lived in Grindelwald for 12 years.

Where do you often go freeriding and what is special about this place for you?

The Jungfrau Region is still an insider tip for freeriding. You can still find untouched powder snow 3 weeks after the snowfall. What's more, there's nothing better in terms of panoramic views. I also know Verbier, Engelberg and Davos like the back of my hand.

What does your ideal freeride day look like?

Lots of fresh snow during the week and taking time off. So few people. And to be out and about with just 1-2 colleagues who also ski well and are fit enough to ski through without a break. Then a few beers in the evening.

What does your perfect freeride setup look like and why?

Dynafit Hokkaido and Beast bindings. K2 Pinnacle boots. On tours Dynafit Speed 90 with tlt Speed bindings and Scott touring boots - all very light.

Which gadget from your freeride equipment would you recommend to the PowderGuide community?

My books Freeride Guide Jungfrau Region and Freeride Guide Davos Klosters! They contain lots of tips and little stories.

What does your risk management look like when freeriding?

In addition to meteo and avalanche bulletins, I follow the snowpack throughout the season. I live in the area and am out and about a lot. Airbag is ok when I'm out on my own. Education: Federal snow sports instructor, SAC tour leader, mountain specialist in the military.

What has been your best freeriding trip so far?

La Grave after 4 days of snowfall with a high avalanche risk. Nevertheless, everything was open, then the weather got nice and nothing was leveled to the piste.

What is special about freeriding for you and what makes it different from other sports?

Nature. For me, snow is the most fascinating element there is.

How long have you been a PowderGuide conditions reporter and why?

About 6 years. I was asked by Tobi back then. It's a good exchange for me and I can also draw attention to my two Freeride Guides.

A few quick decision questions: chute or wide powder slope?

Powder slope

SchniPoSa (schnitzel, chips, salad) or cheese spaetzle?

Spätzle

Willi or beer?

BIER

Malle or Ischgl?

Malle in summer and Ischgl in winter

Biking or climbing?

Depending on the conditions and season

Singing or dancing?

Dancing

Après ski or sauna?

Sauna, but preferably both.

Finally, tell us a story from your freeriding life?

The coolest thing about freeriding is when I can combine it with flying. Flying into lonely slopes with the speed flyer. Or fly up to peaks with a paraglider using thermals and then ski down. Away from ski resorts. Here are some videos of it.

Here are Roger's CRs.