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 environmental consequences of the intense travel schedule for skiers on the World Cup circuit?
## “It’s a Lot of Effort for Just One Race”: A Look at the Travel Toll on Skiers
Today, we’re joined by Manuel Feller, Austrian alpine skier, to talk about the grueling travel schedule skiers face on the World Cup circuit. Manuel, you’ve already covered 5,000 kilometers before heading to the USA for just one race. How is that demanding travel affecting you?
**Manuel:** It’s definitely a lot. You know, we started in Sölden, then flew all the way up to Levi in Finland, and now we’re back in Tyrol before jetting off to America for the giant slalom in Beaver Creek. It’s a lot of time in transit, especially when you factor in training and recovering.
**Interviewer:** Globetrotting for a single race might seem counterintuitive, especially considering your performance hasn’t been as strong as you’d hoped this season.
**Manuel:** Absolutely. It’s not ideal to travel so far for just one competition, especially when things aren’t clicking on the slopes. But Beaver Creek is a course that suits me, and I need a good result to get back on track.
**Interviewer:** Do you think the intense travel schedule this early in the season is affecting the skiing industry more broadly?
**Manuel:** Definitely. Skiing is already feeling the impact of climate change, and endless travel only adds to the burden. It’s not sustainable in the long run.
**Interviewer:** Thanks for your time, Manuel. We wish you the best of luck in Beaver Creek.
**Manuel:** Thanks!
Note: This interview is purely fictional based on the information provided. It is not intended to represent real statements by Manuel Feller.
