I had long dreamed of drifting over an ice track in my own car - an experience I had previously only associated with Sweden. But the Pistenclub made it possible: a perfectly organised event in Austria, with several prepared courses to challenge us for a whole weekend.

Arrival & getting in the mood for the weekend

We set off on Friday morning, 900 kilometres ahead of us. After a long but relaxed journey, we reached our destination in the Austrian Alps. The evening before the first riding event, it was already clear that this weekend would not only be a real experience on the track, but also off it. The Pistenclub had organised a cosy restaurant where we rounded off the evening with good food and petrol talk with like-minded people.

The calm before the storm: even historic racing cars were given a proper workout.

Day 1: Ice, drift and car control

Early in the morning, in frosty -12 degrees and bright sunshine, the event started with registration. Together with my buddy Sebastian, with whom I shared my GR Yaris, we were ready for the first laps on ice. After a short briefing, the participants were divided into groups according to their experience. The beginners' group started with braking and evasion exercises, while the advanced drivers went straight onto one of the four courses to familiarise themselves with the route behind the instructor.

And then it was full throttle! Two hours of drifting, testing the limits and getting used to the slippery surface. After that, we swapped tracks - no time for boredom, always new challenges. Faster than expected, it was already time for the lunch break, and the Pistenclub had really thought of everything: a large selection of food, perfect for hungry riders. Those who didn't want to stand in the cold between sessions could warm up in a heated hut with snacks and drinks.

Thanks to plenty of driving time, you could explore your limits with ease.

In the afternoon, the temperatures rose slightly, the grip changed and it became a real challenge not to lose the car. But that's exactly what made it so appealing: constantly adapting, maintaining control and manoeuvring the Yaris through the turns with perfect drifting. After a few hours, both Sebastian and I had developed a really good feel for the car. We ended the evening relaxing in the hotel bar - together with 15 to 20 other participants, petrolheads and a glass of wine included.

Day 2: The ultimate rally feeling

The second day brought a real highlight: after another training session in the morning, during which the instructors also sat in the car with the drivers and gave valuable tips, things got really exciting from midday onwards.

The four smaller tracks became one huge overall track - a true drift paradise with a real rally feeling. Here you could really test the limits of your vehicle, drive long combinations of bends and let the car dance across the icy surface. A marvellous experience that will stay with you for a long time.

After another fortifying lunch, we slowly made our way home at around 2.30 p.m. - another 900 kilometres, but with a big grin on our faces.

The tracks were a real drifting paradise, but also challenging: even for experienced instructors, the laws of physics apply.

A perfect event for drift fans

The Pistenclub has put together an event that impresses in every respect: perfect organisation, challenging tracks, great catering and a fantastic atmosphere among like-minded people. Regardless of whether you simply enjoy drifting or want to improve your vehicle's handling under extreme conditions - this is the place to be. One thing is certain for me: I'll be back next year! If you want to get an impression, you can find my video of the event on YouTube at tom.schuetze. See you at the next drift adventure!