From the start in Sölden to the far north to Levi, then back to the Tyrolean Ötztal to Gurgl: the ski aces covered 5,000 kilometers as the crow flies for the first three World Cup stops, even before the entourage moved to the USA. Apart from the fact that skiing in particular is directly affected by the consequences of global warming, the strains of travel take a toll on athletes. As in the case of Manuel Feller, it is not very edifying to fly to the USA for just one race, the giant slalom in Beaver Creek (December 8th), especially since the Tyrolean’s form is at stake in all three races of the season failed, is not in good order. “A lot of effort for just one race,” says Feller, who is “unfortunately leaving for America” after a huge slalom training session at home. After all: “It’s a slope that suits me.” After two slalom threaders recently, the giant slalom could possibly be just the right change, the 32-year-old continued. As expected, the technology specialist will not be racing downhill and Super-G. Just like in previous winters, speed riders overseas are experiencing the start of their season.
Mikaela Shiffrin has four races on the program over the next two weekends in Killington (USA) and Mont-Tremblant (Can), but the series winner is still not happy with the calendar planning. “My honest opinion is: It’s challenging to be in Sölden, then in Levi, then back in Gurgl and then in Killington. It’s really hard on the body and the mind,” says the 29-year-old.
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The fact that Gurgl and Sölden – both World Cup locations are part of the municipality of Sölden – are planning a joint double weekend has met with widespread approval. The most successful athlete in history, with 99 World Cup victories, can also benefit from the idea. “It would be ideal,” says Shiffrin, knowing that if the Gurgl races had been scheduled earlier they would have been extremely shaky due to the snow situation. “The season should start later and possibly end later. I know it’s easier said than done. But maybe there are some ways to structure it so that we can keep the racing but also make the travel more physically and environmentally sensible.” , Shiffrin positions himself.
How sustainable is world cup ski racing and what is being done to address its environmental impact?
## The Cost of a Global Sport: A Chat with Ski Racer Manuel Feller
**Host:** Manuel, welcome to the show! Let’s dive right in. Winter is here, and ski season is in full swing, but it hasn’t been an easy start for you or your fellow racers. The World Cup schedule has been heavily impacted by cancellations, forcing athletes on a grueling travel schedule.
**Manuel Feller:** Thanks for having me. It’s certainly been a challenging beginning to the season. We’ve already racked up 5,000 kilometers of travel just for the first three World Cup stops! [[1](https://www.bbc.com/sport/winter-sports/68742816))
**Host:** That’s a lot of air miles, especially considering the universal concerns about the environmental impact of frequent flying.
**Manuel Feller:** Absolutely. Skiing is directly affected by climate change, and as athletes, we’re acutely aware of the irony of contributing to the problem through extensive travel.
**Host:** And on top of the environmental impact, there’s also the physical toll these long journeys take on your performance.
**Manuel Feller:** It’s definitely demanding. For example, flying to the USA for just one giant slalom race in Beaver Creek feels like a lot of effort for a single event. My form hasn’t been great this season, so I’m hoping the change in discipline will help me find my rhythm, but it’s still a tough ask.
**Host:** So, a challenging schedule and the pressure to perform at your peak.
**Manuel Feller:** Exactly! It’s a balancing act for sure, and we’re all hoping for a smoother, more sustainable World Cup circuit in the future. I think finding solutions that minimize travel while still maintaining the excitement and global reach of our sport is crucial.
**Host:** Well said. Thanks for sharing your insights, Manuel. We wish you the best of luck in Beaver Creek!
