"Krone" column

Flachau deserves the double

The floodlit spectacle in Flachau attracts the crowds.(Bild: Andreas Tröster)

The floodlit spectacle in Flachau attracted the crowds again in 2025. The women's slalom offers the highest prize money and a cauldron of excitement. There could soon be a second race on the World Cup course named after Hermann Maier. A column by "Krone" editor Sebastian Steinbichler.

The night slalom in Flachau is the highlight of the season on the women's calendar. It has the highest prize money, a cauldron in the finish area - 11,700 fans were there yesterday - and no rival event can hold a candle to the Flachau event in front of the TV screen. In 2024, the home event was the most-watched women's race of the year with an average of 840,000 viewers. So it's no wonder that those responsible around OC boss Wolfgang Hettegger have big plans. As in Schladming for the men, there will also be a floodlit giant slalom for the women on the World Cup course named after Hermann Maier. Possibly as early as 2026.

The permit for the floodlights has long been in the drawer in Pongau. "We could start at any time," says Hettegger, who is just waiting for the "go" from the FIS. The night-time double in combination with Zauchensee - Pongau alternates with St. Anton every two years - would hit the nerve of the world federation. All four disciplines would take place within a few days. All just a few kilometers away from each other. Short distances, lots of spectacle. "And it's also more sustainable," says Hettegger, whose team would also have earned the extension.