Ski and Snowboard News, Deals, and Events

The Gamsleiten Criterion, Austria's biggest treasure hunt, returns to Obertauern for the third time April 25, 2009.

This unique treasure hunt takes place in the snow, with 30 treasure chests will be buried along a ski run in marked zones. The aim of participants on skis is to find the coveted treasure chests and win the prizes.

The Obertauern Tourist Office says: "The Gamsleiten Criterion is not only fun for the participants, but also a visual spectacle for the onlookers. At the start of the event, the Gamsliten II run is dyed a deep blue with food colouring and the treasure-hunting skiers leave trails and patterns on the coloured surface."

Prizes include a brand new Porsche, a year's supply of Gosser beer, a Segafredi espresso machine, a pair of skis, and a weekend holiday for two at the International Ski Countdown. Tickets for the Gamsleiten Criterion 2009 go on sale the evening of April 24 at the Gamsleiten Party held in the Gamsleiten Parkplatz. The treasure hunt takes place at the Gamsleiten II area April 25; afterwards is the award ceremony at the valley station Gamsleiten Parkplatz (Gamsleiten I).

Other winter events in Obertauern include the Intersport Alpine Glow ski test between March 29 and April 4, where everyone has the opportunity to try out the latest skis, snowboards, and accessories, and the traditional Easter Bonfire celebrations on April 11. More information is available on Obertauern's Web site.