From the “Wait, that’s a sport?!” desk, we bring you … Figln.

That’s right, folks: Firn Gleiten. Firn describes snow as it transforms from early morning crust (harsch) into wet, sugary afternoon Firn, warmed by the sun. Gleiten is the German word for “gliding.”

The sport of Firn Gleiten, or Figln, evolved in Tyrol from spring hikers putting very short skis in their backpacks, then strapping the skis onto hiking boots in order to glide back down the mountain on the firn snow.

For Figln, the general rule is “the steeper, the better.” How do you stop? There are no edges, so rather than turning, Figl’ers just lean back to slow down. This technique creates deep gouges leading straight down the mountain. Hand-holding is encouraged while Red-Rover’esque lines of Figlers careen straight down the piste like an avalanche, taking out everything and everyone in their way.

Because of the damage Figln does to the slopes, the Nordkette ski area overlooking Innsbruck, Austria only allows Figln starting April 1. But it is no joke -- for a few short weeks in spring, Figln is the most popular activity in town.

Check it out or try it for yourself on your next ski vacation. Learn more: lumiexperiences.com

See you on the trail,
Garrott Kuzzy
Lumi Experiences
Cross Country Ski Vacations