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.
What specific impact does Manuel Feller cite regarding climate change and the skiing World Cup circuit?
## Ski Season Strain: A Conversation with Manuel Feller
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Manuel. You’ve had a busy start to the World Cup season with races in Sölden, Levi, and now back in Ötztal. How are you feeling after these initial competitions?
**Manuel Feller:** * (Sighs) * It’s been intense, to say the least. We’ve already racked up 5,000 kilometers of travel just for these first three stops, [[1](https://www.snow-online.com/skimag/alpine-skiing-world-cup-dates-calendar-schedule-venues.htm)]. As you know, skiing is directly affected by climate change, and this constant travel adds another layer of stress.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the long journey to the USA for the giant slalom in Beaver Creek. Are you concerned about the toll this takes on your performance, especially since your form hasn’t been ideal so far this season?
**Manuel Feller:** Definitely. It feels like a lot of effort for just one race. It’s honestly not great to fly all the way to America for a single giant slalom, especially when my recent slalom performances haven’t been up to par. But hey, at least Beaver Creek is a slope that suits my skiing style. After two slalom disappointments, perhaps the giant slalom will be the change I need.
**Interviewer:** That’s the spirit! We’ll be cheering for you in Beaver Creek. Thanks for your time, Manuel, and good luck with the rest of the season!