The Val Gardena e Alta Badia they are preparing to host the traditional and inimitable pre-Christmas ski festival. Not a simple stage of World Cupbut a great event that enchants Alto Adige, the only destination in the world capable of giving away, in four days, trophies for all individual disciplines.

Two historic tracks

From 19 to 22 December, the white circus will move to two tracks that are history, technique and pure adrenaline: the Saslongtheater of downhill and super-G (Friday 19 and Saturday 20 December), and the Big Laughtercathedral of giant slalom and slalom (Sunday 21 and Monday 22 December). The anticipation is charged with electricity, with fans and millions of viewers ready to hold their breath while icons like Marco Odermatt, Dominik Paris and the highly anticipated Aleksander Aamodt Source they challenge the snow walls. On the legendary Gran Risa, a strip of shade and ice that flows through the woods, this year a golden anniversary is being celebrated: forty years of the World Cup. Since 1985, the station has been synonymous with a technical giant, a challenge that does not allow for mistakes. Andy Varallopresident of the organizing committee, expressed pride in the finish line: «Alta Badia is one of the most prestigious stages. Our work is a constant commitment to excellence, and the race track, thanks to the favorable weather and hard work, is already ready, like an emerald set in the snow.”

The exhibition that celebrates the champions of the past

To celebrate the anniversary, the district was transformed into a galleria in the open air. Twenty blow-ups located along the slopes they narrate, through the expert eye of the photographer Freddy Planinschekthe eras, the emotions and the heroes who trod the snow of the Gran Risa. One of these stories is engraved in the heart of Roberto Erlacher. The former local champion from Colfosco, who in 1985 had the privilege of climbing onto the podium of the first Giant, emotionally recalled his childhood dream, when he secretly spied Ingemar Stenmark train on those same curves. «I was lucky enough to make that dream come true, climbing on the podium next to Stenmark: an emotion that still gives me shivers today».

Val Gardena, a speed classic

At the foot of the Sassolungo, Val Gardena is preparing for its 58th edition of the World Cup, an authentic speed classic. But all eyes are set even further, towards 2031, the year in which the resort will host the Alpine Skiing World Championships. The progress of work on the new «La Ciampinoi» slope is tangible proof of a long-term vision that aims to consolidate Val Gardena as the world capital of skiing. Rainer Senoner, president of the organizing committee, praised the work of the Saslong Spa: «The preparation of the track is at an advanced stage. Our event is one of the last descents before the Olympics, which increases the technical and sporting interest.”

Il ritorno di Aleksander Aamodt Kilde

The most awaited event is undoubtedly the return of Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, after the long stop due to injury. The Norwegian sprintera true ruler of the Saslong with three victories in the Downhill and two in the Super-G, sent a video message that ignited the audience. «The Saslong is a special place for me. Here everything is perfect: track, snow, atmosphere e welcome. It is the place of my first podium. I can’t wait to compete again” declared Kilde who is also the holder of the Dolomites Val Gardena Ski Trophy, awarded to the best skier of the weekend. The prize, which includes 5,000 euros and a 3D wooden bust, symbolizes the union between sport and local craftsmanship. Winners will receive trophies sculptural carved a thousand in Gardena wood and set with Sassolungo stone, true Alpine jewels.

An experience open to all

The greatness of the South Tyrolean event lies not only in sport, but in experience total offer to the public. Hospitality is elevated to a true art. The Forst Saslounge will be the lounge where personalities from sports, economics and politics can meet in a refined environment. For the public, the “camel humps” area promises a close-up and adrenaline-filled view of the Free Descent, accompanied by gastronomic delicacies. Alta Badia responds with its hospitality areas: the Leitner VIP Lounge, the Red Bull Energy Station and the Gran Risa Chalet and Sunday at midday with the Frecce Tricolori flyover. Trophies are also works of art that honor the territory. Those of Alta Badia, designed by the artist Daniele Basso for the 40th anniversary, are a hymn to the community: reflective steel discs engraved with the microlaser that retrace the route of the Gran Risa, where the “Giant” stands, symbol of the Dolomites and the power of the race.