Val Gardena/Groöden and Alta Badia are hosting a total of three races: a Super-G and a Downhill on the Saslong, a Giant Slalom on the Gran Risa. The 47th Saslong Classic is taking place on December 19th and 20th, the 29th edition of the Ski World Cup races in Alta Badia on December 21st. Around 80 racers from 25 nations will participate. Total prize money for the three races amounts to € 270,000. Approximately 300 media representatives will be reporting on the three South Tyrolean World Cup races which will be broadcast live or delayed on approx. 40 TV stations all over the world. 1800 staff will be on duty during the week of the races.

Preparatory work on the Saslong and the Gran Risa have already started in October. “Snow conditions are not optimal� say Andy Varallo (General Manager, Alta Badia) and Rainer Senoner (Race Director, Val Gardena/Gröden) in unison. “But we are hopeful that temperatures will sink drastically�. Weather forecast predicts definite onset of winter by the end of November/beginning of December. “That will push temperatures between -1 and -10 degrees C, which will allow for ample snow production day and night� added Mr. Varallo and Mr. Senoner. The upper part of the Downhill course down to Sochers have been covered in 20 cm of natural snow, with a few layers of compact snow on top. The lower section, along the Camel Humps and all the way down to the Finish is covered by 10 cm of snow. “This is not enough� says Course Director Horst Demetz. “We need three or four cold nights with little humidity to be able to prepare the course and create a racing profile� says the expert.

The Super-G is on the docket for Friday, December 19th, the Downhill for Saturday. The start of both races is set for 12:15 pm. Training runs are on Wednesday and Thursday with the same start time. The World Cup entourage will make its way to Alta Badia, where the Giant Slalom is taking place on Sunday. The first run is scheduled for 9:30 am, the second for 12:30 pm. This will also set a premiere in management on international level: “We are proud that fellow country man Markus Waldner is new FIS Race Director along with Hannes Trinkl from Austria and Emanuel Couder from France; they are in charge of the Ski World Cup races. We wish him and his team the best of luck� say the organizers from Val Gardena/Gröden and Alta Badia.

In the last 46 years, the two South Tyrolean organizers have hosted 100 international men and women’s races including the 1970 Ski World Championship. 

A high-quality and jam-packed entertainment program is offering ample opportunities for fun during the racing weekend in Val Gardena/Gröden Alta Badia.

Further information on the races, the entertainment program and tickets can be found at www.saslong.org and www.skiworldcup.it.