Saslong Classic in Val GardenaFIS Ski World Cup

FIS Ski World Cup – the best of the best of skiing in Dolomites Val Gardena

20.12. until 21.12.2024

Val Gardena is a paradise for skiers regardless of their level: newbies and passionate amateur skiers spend their holidays in the valley. However, for a few days a year, the skiing slopes of Dolomites Val Gardena attract the creme de la creme of skiing. And you, as our guests, will have the opportunity of following the skiing stars live from the edge of the slopes as they battle for a place on the podium of the FIS World Cup.

The history of the World Cup in Dolomites Val Gardena goes back to the 1970s. The Saslong slope is one of the most beautiful and well-known stages of the world cup, what with its famous and feared ‘camel hump’ and speeds of up to 100 km an hour. The Ski World Cup took place in 1970 in Dolomites Val Gardena, among other places; on that occasion the whole skiing world set its eyes on the Saslong slope. Women and men took part in dozens and dozens of races on the slope as well as on the region’s other famous slopes: Ronc, Ciampinoi and Cir. Today, a super-G and a men’s downhill race take place in Dolomites Val Gardena once a year.

Local celebrities and international legends fulfilled their dream of one day being the winner of the FIS ski World Cup in Dolomites Val Gardena. Among the winners of the downhill we have known skiers such as Peter Müller, Rob Boyd, Michael Walchhofer and Kristian Ghedina.

After more than 40 years, Dominik Paris was once again in 2023 as a South Tyrolean athlet to conquer the Saslong during a downhill skirace. It had been a long time since a South Tyrolean had won a downhill race in Val Gardena/Gröden. Herbert Plank from Sterzing achieved this in the distant 1977.

 

In the super-G, which took place for the first time in 1983 on the Saslong slope, we had Didier Cuche, Lasse Kjus and Swiss Pirmin Zurbriggen on the podium.

And what about tourists? You have the unique opportunity of being very close to your stars during the races and to support them live when a 10th of a second will determine victory or defeat. Feel the excitement and passion ringing in the air for this special event; the shouts of the floods of travelling supporters will sweep you under their spell as they accompany the best skiers of the world at dizzying speeds as they fearlessly hurtle down the slope. During the ‘fan festival’, which takes place in a huge tent close to the finish area of the competition, you can also expect to enjoy laidback chitchats and a relaxed atmosphere: exactly what the doctor orders for a different winter holiday.
A special offer is awaiting you. The so-called "FIS Ski World Cup Offer in Val Gardena" is available in Action and Deluxe versions. Accommodation, admission to the races and Dolomiti Superski ski pass at a reduced price!

For the first time in 2018 also two FIS-World Cup races of the women (Downhill and Super-G) took place in Val Gardena.

DOLOMITES Val Gardena Südtirol Ski Trophy

Winner of the sprint downhill on Thursday, 14th place in the super-G on Friday and third place in the downhill classic on Saturday, the US American Bryce Bennett was crowned winner of the DOLOMITES Val Gardena Südtirol Ski Trophy. The special prize, which was developed by the Organizing Committee of the Saslong Classic in cooperation with DOLOMITES Val Gardena Marketing, awarded the athlete with the most World Cup points of the Val Gardena race week. Bennet came out on top with 178 points ahead of the Norwegian Aleksander Aamodt Kilde and the Swiss Marco Odermatt and can look forward to a 3D wooden bust true to the original, as well as additional prize money of 5,000 euros and a short holiday in Val Gardena.

Further information about the World-Cup races

Ski Champions Walk

A walking trail dedicated to the Alpine Ski Champions in Val Gardena

The route is dedicated to all those who have won a World Cup race since 1969 or a World Championship race in 1970 in Val Gardena, as well as to who believed in the idea of skiing in Val Gardena with great ambition and pioneering spirit. This themed trail starts in the village center of Selva, behind the Ski School. It is a journey through the history of skiing in Val Gardena, from the beginnings of Alpine skiing, to its establishment as a world-famous ski area which hosts breath-taking ski world cup races every year. In the audio guide you are accompanied by Erich Demetz, honorary citizen of Selva, pioneer and conceiver of the alpine Ski World Cup races in Val Gardena and President for 28 years of the FIS (Fédération Internationale de Ski). This fascinating story should not be forgotten!