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 are the mental challenges faced by ski racers due to constant travel?
## A Conversation About Ski Racing’s High Travel Demands
**Interviewer:** Manuel Feller, you’ve openly spoken about the demanding travel schedule for skiers in the World Cup. Can you elaborate on that?
**Manuel Feller:** Absolutely. Think about it, from Sölden to Levi then back to Gurgl – we’re racking up 5,000 kilometers in just the first few stops! [[1](https://www.snowpak.com/)] By the time we head to the USA, it’s already been a whirlwind.
**Interviewer:** It’s not just the physical strain, though, is it? There’s a mental aspect to constant travel too?
**Manuel Feller:** You hit the nail on the head. It takes its toll mentally, and it’s even harder when your results aren’t what you hoped for. Flying to the USA for one race, the giant slalom in Beaver Creek – that feels like a lot of effort for a single competition, especially when I haven’t been performing my best lately.
**Interviewer:** Beaver Creek is a specific type of slope, though. Is that a factor in your decision to go?
**Manuel Feller:** It’s a slope that suits my style of skiing, which is definitely a positive. After a couple of tougher Slalom races, the Giant Slalom could be just what I need right now.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like you’re hoping for a change in fortunes.
**Manuel Feller:** Hoping is an understatement. It’s time to turn things around.
