World Cup dress rehearsal

Saalbach’s white ribbon casts a spell over everyone

Spring was a guest on the first of two planned weekends of the World Cup finals in Saalbach-Hinterglemm.

(Bild: Andreas Tröster)

At the first part of the test run for the 2025 World Ski Championships in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, one thing above all: spring fever.Superstar Marco Odermatt also expresses a wish: "I hope it's more wintry next February."

Boundless enthusiasm in the stands, spectacle on the slopes with hundreds of people in attendance. Great weather on Sunday. At first glance, everything seems to be set for a real ski festival in Saalbach-Hinterglemm these days.

But if you use your senses, it quickly becomes clear that something is not quite right here. The thick jacket is unnecessary. Sunglasses, sun cream and headgear are actually a must in the sunlight in the finish stadium. Then you briefly tune out the cheers for the heroes and heroines around Mikaela Shiffrin, Marco Odermatt and co. You concentrate only on what you see and turn your gaze to the left or right. Suddenly, a different color catches your eye instead of the brightest one: green! In addition to the white ribbon that winds its way down into the valley from above, you can also see meadows. It has a springtime feel to it. Only the butterflies - in the belly or in the grass - are missing.

Winter will soon be completely over in Glemmtal.

(Bild: Andreas Tröster)

But there were still a few skiers to be seen. They watched the races from the edge of the piste.

(Bild: Andreas Tröster)

The piste crew were in full operation.

(Bild: Andreas Tröster)

What's more, the strip on which the technical races take place on the first weekend is relatively narrow. But it is really thick. Not like the other pistes that adorn the slopes of the Glemmtal, where skiing is out of the question.

To be continued?
"The good base is our trump card," explains landlord Bartl Gensbichler. Since the end of November, those responsible have spent countless hours preparing the World Cup course. This work has paid off over the past few days. Anywhere else, World Cup races after such a winter and at this time would be unthinkable. There is still a lot to do for part two of the test run, which is scheduled for next weekend. However, the weather forecast does not look rosy.

Besides the ideal conditions, what else is missing for the 2025 World Championships? Not much, if you ask the locals. They are on schedule and are getting it done. Projects such as the barrier-free village road will be completed over the summer months. The finish stadium, on the other hand, will take on a new dimension. "It will be significantly enlarged," says Gensbichler. This means that 15,000 fans will be able to cheer in the stands at the big event. At the dress rehearsal, it's only half that.

The atmosphere is exuberant. At the World Championships, 15,000 people can sit in the stands in the finish area alone.

(Bild: Andreas Tröster)

No seats in the village
Masses that have to be moved. The best way to do this is with the shuttle buses that run right up to the entrance to the track. A system that already works well. If you find a parking space at one of the gondola lifts, you can get to the foot of the Zwölferkogel every few minutes. Parking spaces for cars in the village are already in short supply. Tendency: strongly decreasing!

And what do those who want to write their heroic epic on the spot next year say? "Great location, cool atmosphere," grins dominator Odermatt. "But I hope it will be more wintry in February." Because even the ski aces prefer a white carpet to a ribbon. To get back to the enthusiasm.