50th anniversary of international ski races in Gardena Gröden

Edmund Dellago

Edmund Dellago

It has been a surprising 50 years since Tchucky Kerschbaumer and I had the idea to bring the international FIS A ski races to Gardena/Gröden to create a...

“Trophy of the three Ladin towns of Gardena/Gröden”. And on this occasion of our 50th anniversary I find it fitting to review the origins of the modern alpine ski racing sport in the valley.
What started as a small adventure like nothing else has left an impact on the sport history of this valley - and in many ways also its image and name recognition.
 
After that initial step has been made, Tchucky Kerschbaumer, Erich Demetz and I set our next goal: to bring the Alpine Ski World Championships to Gardena/Gröden. And we nailed it on the first try in May 1967 winning the right to host the 1970 WC which was followed by annual World Cup races in December ever since.
 
Over the years, these humble beginnings have turned into a professionally run major sport event. Our small group of sport enthusiast has grown into an 800-strong team. And while initially races were primarily financed by local communities, ticket sales and the generous support of private sponsors, today our races are financed up to 80% by the sale of advertising and TV rights for races that are watched by 180 million spectators in around 40 countries. 
 
I wish the World Cup in Gardena/Gröden many successful years to come and extend my gratitude to my team lead by Stefi Demetz, Rainer Senoner and Gernot Mussner as well as my long-standing partner Erich Demetz for their outstanding dedication and for sharing in my passion.

Edmund Dellago, President