This weekend, the FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup heads to the Ötztal Alps in Austria, where Gurgl will host both men’s and women’s slalom races on November 23rd and 24th. Gurgl is known for its breathtaking scenery and reliable snow conditions. The race piste on the Kirchenkar slope promises challenging, sparkling competition.
Gurgl: A Jewel of the Ötztal Alps
Situated at an elevation of over 2,000 meters, Gurgl is a haven for ski enthusiasts and professionals alike. The Kirchenkar piste, selected for this World Cup event, starts at an altitude of 2,475 meters and descends 210 meters over a course length of 548 meters. With an average gradient of 38.3% and a maximum steepness of 62%, the slope is one of the hardest on the tour. Though it is tough to choose, this is the World Cup, and none of the slopes in the calendar are for the faint-hearted skiers.
The FIS conducted a final snow inspection this week with positive results. There was a lot of speculation about the state of the venue. Exceptionally warm weather and a lack of snow threatened the event, and Sölden offered its capacities as a replacement. But the weather played along with the organizers. Fresh snowfall completed their regional state-of-the-art snowmaking infrastructure, and the piste is in pristine condition.
The temperature in Gurgl is below zero, with the forecast saying that snowfall and very low temperatures will continue to mark the days. On the race weekend, temperatures are forecasted somewhere around -15°C during the day, and even -19°C at night, which will help the organizers to keep the slope in the perfect condition. The only tricky part might be the fresh snow, but Austrian organizers are known for their undying dedication to ski sports.
This is only the second time Gurgl has hosted World Cup events, making it a relatively new addition to the calendar. However, the high altitude and unique snowmaking infrastructure make it a perfect addition to the early weeks of the World Cup calendar.
Women’s Slalom Preview
After an electric start to the season in Levi, the women’s slalom specialists are looking to continue their battle for the crystal globe in Gurgl. Shiffrin, who has already cemented her legacy as one of the greatest skiers in history, remains the favorite, given her unmatched consistency and the latest slalom result in Levi where she demolished the competition.
Austrian fans will cheer on their Katharina Liensberger, who has started an excellent season with her second place in Levi and a solid result in the giant slalom in Sölden. Liensberger will try to capitalize on the home conditions, although the pressure will be high and demand all her mental skills.
Other contenders include Germany’s Lena Dürrer, another Levi podium finisher, a proven slalom powerhouse, and Switzerland’s Melanie Millard, who has started exceptionally well this season. Anna Swen Larsson (SWE) and Zrinka Ljutic (CRO) are to be taken seriously, as they have continuously shown last season and proved yet again in Levi.
Men’s Slalom Preview
The Austrian men’s team is under pressure after a lackluster performance in Levi, where no ÖSV athlete cracked the top 10. Manuel Feller, the defending slalom World Cup champion, will be determined to rebound in front of the home crowd. Feller is optimistic, he knows he has the skills. In the demanding Austrian environment however, it is the mental resilience that athletes need, especially after such a bad start of the season and on the home snow.
On the international front, Norway’s Henrik Kristoffersen seems to have started the season of his life. His countrymen Atle Lie McGrath, Alexander Steen Olsen, and Timon Haugen have been slightly disappointed with their slalom results in Levi after the strong start of the giant slalom season in Sölden. Together with their former teammate Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, they will surely love to atone for Levi and nail a podium result. Dave Ryding (GB) also loves Gurgl and looked very strong in Levi. So did Steven Aimez (FRA), Kristoffer Jocobssen (SWE), and Loui Meillard (SUI).
But the biggest result is expected of Levi winner Clement Noel, who smashed the competition in both runs, survived the tricky conditions, and named his first reindeer. Gurgl promises an icy and freezing surface, just like Levi. Noel and his ski technicians proved that it suited them well enough.
