On Saturday, the Gardenissima will take place again in Val Gardena. © Diego Moroder

Gardenissima: The longest giant slalom in the world

The "Südtirol Gardenissima" stands for sport, competition, fun, emotions, and challenge, as it is the longest giant slalom in the world. This event has become a firm tradition in the Val Gardena sports calendar and is taking place for the 27th time this year. It is the last major highlight of the ski season, even though the lifts in Val Gardena are still open until April 6th.

March 28, 2025

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The Südtirol Gardenissima covers an impressive 6 km course and offers a unique opportunity to compete against the times of great athletes and true "ski legends." Among the well-known names in the men's race are Dominik Paris, Christof Innerhofer, Florian Schieder, Daniel Hemetsberger, Miha Hrobat, and Manuel Traninger, and among the women's racers are Nicol and Nadia Delago, Vicky Bernardi, Sara Thaler, Christina Ager, Victoria Olivier, Fabiana Dorigo, Kiara Derks, and others.

Among the Ski Legends are Kristian Ghedina, Carlo Janka, Paola Magoni, Obermoser Klement Brigitte, Verena Stuffer, and others. A special feature of this event is the unique opportunity for participants and spectators to experience World Cup athletes and ski legends up close – and even challenge them in this unique race!

The race will take place as usual on Saturday, March 29. 700 skiers from 24 different countries will meet at the Col Raiser gondola to face the challenge: 115 gates and a vertical drop of over 1.000 meters.
Since 1997, the Südtirol Gardenissima has been considered the most spectacular and longest giant slalom race in the world – a true cult event for all ski fans.

The course leads over the sunny Seceda, offering breathtaking panoramas. The start is at an altitude of 2.518 meters, directly beneath the majestic Geisler peaks. Two skiers compete in a thrilling parallel race for the first 1.500 meters, before the two courses merge into one, and the skiers battle it out to the finish at an altitude of 1.485 meters at the valley station of the Col Raiser gondola in Selva di Val Gardena.

It starts early

The race program includes a track inspection at 6:15 a.m., while the race start is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. Thanks to a livestream, the event will be broadcast worldwide, with each race alternating with spectacular scenes and interviews with the stars at the start and finish.

At the autograph session during the race number distribution, fans will have the opportunity to speak with the athletes, get autographs, and take souvenir photos. This meeting will take place on Friday, March 28, from 17:30 p.m. to 18:30 p.m. at the Casa Culturale Pitla Sala (1st floor) in Selva.

The early bird catches the worm at the Gardenissima in Val Gardena. © IVAN_GOLLER

Additionally, all participants will have the opportunity to test the latest ski models for the coming season on a timed track on the Curona slope, in the immediate vicinity of the Südtirol Gardenissima race track. The ski test will take place on Thursday, March 27, Friday, March 28, and Saturday, March 29, from 10:00 a.m. to 15:00 p.m. The most renowned ski brands will be represented, offering ski enthusiasts and professionals a unique experience.

The awards ceremony is scheduled for 15:00 PM in the Gardenissima finish area at Col Raiser. The event will culminate in an AFTER RACE PARTY featuring the Dorfrockers and Matty Valentino. The celebrations will take place on Saturday, March 29, from 16:00 PM to 23:59 PM at the Col da Mulin Bridge – Après-Ski La Stua.

On Sunday, March 30th, the stage belongs to the young skiers: At the 10th edition of the Gardenissima Kids, young ski talents will compete on a 1,9 km course. The start will be, as usual, on Seceda, while the finish is at the valley station of the Fermeda chairlift. The race begins at 8:30 a.m., with 300 young athletes from 12 countries competing in a challenging slalom with 463 meters of vertical drop. After the race, medals and prizes will be presented to the young racers, and ski stars will be available for autographs and photos.