A weekend of snow sports in South Tyrol: Audi FIS Ski World Cup
For several years, the Italian region of South Tyrol has been the setting for the Audi FIS Ski World Cup. Although the situation this year brought uncertainty for the event, South Tyrol is happy to welcome the athletes. On 18 and 19 December, athletes will be in the starting blocks in Val Gardena/ Gröden for Super-G and Downhill. And on 20 and 21 December, we will see Gran Risa and Alta Badia as the backdrop during the (Giant) Slalom. Without an audience, but nevertheless we can still enjoy the ski spectacle from our living rooms. With this, we also wait to see if there will be any skiing at all this season by the public itself. The forecast is for the slopes to open on 7 January. We will of course keep everyone informed about this.
©️ Matteo Agreiter
Races of the Saslong
Today the ski weekend starts with the Super-G (from 2,000m to 1,410m) from the legendary Saslong in Val Gardena at 11:45am. On Saturday 19 December, we close here at the same time with the Classic Downhill (from 2,249m to 1,410m). A fan of facts & figures? The start list and results can be followed here.
©️ Freddy Planinschek
Alta Badia's giant slope
For this edition, ski racers will start on one of the toughest courses for the first run on Sunday 20 December at 10:00 am. In the heart of the Dolomites, the athletes rush down the Gran Risa at breakneck speed, as part of Giant Slalom in the Alpine Ski World Cup. This run has been around since 1985. The second run starts at 13:30. On Monday 21 December, athletes will descend to Alta Badia where they will complete the Slalom at 10:00 am and 1:00 pm. This year, the trophies are again of special origin. Namely, they were created by artist Daniele Basso in the shape of UNESCO World Heritage Site the Dolomites.
©️ Alex Moling
Safety first
The run-up to these moments did not go without a hitch due to the Covid-19 situation. The International Ski Association and the South Tyrolean authorities have set up a strict protocol of safety measures to make the event as safe as possible. For example, there is no public presence and all those involved have to undergo Covid-19 tests.
Andy Varallo, head of the organising committee for the Alpine Ski World Cup in Alta Badia, says: "We miss the coming and going of people, not to mention all the happy times shared with the volunteers and partners; however, it is our job and our duty to set a good example, endeavouring to reduce the spread of the virus in order to allow our well-loved and much-desired winter season to reopen as soon as possible.".
Fortunately, within the guidelines, it is possible to make it a sporting weekend and the athletes are eager to improve their times. Want to watch the races live? Then check out ZIGGO Sport, Rai 2, ARD, ORF 1 and SF 2.
