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 does the demanding travel schedule of World Cup skiers impact their physical and mental well-being?
## Interview: The Toll of Travel on Alpine Skiers
**Host:** Joining us today is [Guest Name], a former alpine skier and current commentator. [Guest Name], thanks for joining us.
**Guest:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** We’ve been seeing some discussion about the grueling travel schedule faced by today’s World Cup skiers. Can you tell us a bit about what it’s like for them?
**Guest:** It’s incredibly demanding. As the article mentions, they can be racking up thousands of kilometers in air travel just within the first few races of the season. From Sölden to Levi, back to Gurgl, and then off to the USA – all before December is even here! It takes a huge physical and mental toll, especially considering the physical demands of skiing itself.
**Host:** We also heard this mentioned in regards to Manuel Feller, who’s heading to Beaver Creek for just one giant slalom race.
**Guest:** Exactly. It’s a long trip for just one race, especially when Feller hasn’t had the best start to the season. As he said, “A lot of effort for just one race.” It highlights the issue that athletes might be burning themselves out just crisscrossing the globe.
**Host:** This grueling schedule, coupled with the environmental impact of air travel, raises concerns. What are your thoughts on this?
**Guest:** I think it’s a serious issue. We need to find a more sustainable model for the World Cup circuit, one that considers both the athletes’ well-being and the environmental impact. Perhaps consolidating races in certain regions or exploring alternative transportation options could be part of the solution.
