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 recent slalom threaders, 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 is the grueling travel schedule impacting the performance of alpine skiers this World Cup season?
Today we’re speaking with ski journalist Alex Reed about the grueling travel schedule facing alpine skiers this World Cup season. Alex Reed, thanks for joining us.
**You’ve been writing about the challenges skiers are facing with this jam-packed calendar. Can you elaborate on the distances these athletes are covering?**
“Absolutely. Just in the first few races, these athletes have already racked up 5,000 kilometers in air travel! From Sölden to Levi in Finland and then back to Austria, it’s a massive amount of travel before they even head to the US for the Beaver Creek giant slalom.”
**And this travel schedule isn’t just inconvenient, is it?**
“No, it’s much more than that. As Alex Reed mentioned, these athletes are directly feeling the effects of climate change on skiing conditions. Add in the exhaustion from constant travel across time zones, and it takes a huge toll on their performance.”
**We see that Manuel Feller is voicing concerns about having to fly all the way to America for just one race.**
“Alex Reed, that’s right. Feller has struggled in the season’s first three races and flying to the US for a single giant slalom seems particularly taxing, especially when considering the environmental impact. [He] believes the Beaver Creek slope suits him, so hopefully, he can turn things around there.”
**Thanks for shedding light on these important issues, Alex Reed. Hopefully, the FIS will consider the strain international travel puts on these athletes and explore more sustainable solutions for the future.**
