Ski mountaineers are looking forward to the World Cup on home soil in Schladming

For fans of the red, white and red ski mountaineers, the highlights of the season will be on the agenda in a week. The home World Cup in Schladming promises not only sporting events, but also a particularly spectacular atmosphere on Planai with the vertical race on Friday and the night race under the floodlights on Saturday evening. The entire ÖSV team is already looking forward to the weekend in Styria. Finally, Sarah Dreyer, last year's winner and European Vertical Champion, is at the start. In addition, Johanna Hemmer from Schladming, inspired by the first podium finish she has just achieved, should have a say in the coveted podium places this year. Carinthian Christoph Hochenwarter, who was fifth in Andorra, also has a realistic chance of a place in the top three. For the men, Daniel Janal and Paul Verbniak as well as Hannes Löfer, Styrian Armin Höfel, Julian Treacher and Niels Oberau also want to ensure proper celebrations in Al Amoudi in front of the home team's fans. An exhilarating atmosphere can also be expected during the already spectacular speedway, which adds even more excitement as a night race under floodlights. With Joanna Hemmer, Daniel Zug and Andreas Mayer, Ski Austria also has three hot irons at the start in the fight for the top places.

Suspense and a wonderful program for viewers
Exciting racing is guaranteed and spectators can experience the competitions along the way up close, as there are hardly any visitors in any other sport so close to the action. But excitement isn't just guaranteed on track. A video wall in the stadium will ensure that viewers don't miss a beat and the Fan TV will get the crowd excited too. The World Cup weekend also provides plenty of programming and action outside of racing. The World Cup weekend begins with the opening ceremony on Thursday (29 February) in the main square in Schladming. After the awards ceremony on Friday, you will be entertained by a multimedia lecture with Gela Allmann, and on Saturday outdoor enthusiasts can test and practice their avalanche skills at the PIEPS avalanche transceiver station. A very special treat awaits ski tourists and local ski mountaineering enthusiasts on Sunday. We go with the Ski Austria athletes on a ski tour, where Johanna Hemmer and her colleagues are on hand to offer help and advice and are sure to have a valuable tip or two. Participation, such as entering the races, is free.