Before the home World Cup

On the road with our fastest ski mountaineers

Austria's fastest ski mountaineers Sarah Dreier, Paul Verbnjak, Johanna Hiemer and Christof Hochenwarter(Bild: Hannes Wallner)

Ski mountaineering, i.e. competitive ski touring, is a balancing act between suffering and pure passion. Shortly before the start of the World Cup in Schladming (March 1 and 2, 2024), Austria's fastest ski touring quartet took the "Bergkrone" on a run up the Planai.

"Don't worry! We'll take it easy with you!" smiles Carinthian ski mountaineer Paul Verbnjak mischievously. But we can already see ourselves sweating and panting. Sarah Dreier reassures us: "We're already in the regeneration phase and are ready for the races." Because the Ski Mountaineering World Cup is taking place against the spectacular backdrop of Schladming. And the Austrians' chances of success are good.