In Alta Badia, people were looking forward to seeing eight-time Gran Risa winner Marcel Hirscher again. © ANSA / ANDREA SOLERO

“It’s a shame”: Alta Badia’s failed plan with Hirscher

South Tyrol is looking forward to Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, but is dismayed by Marcel Hirscher's serious injury. This is the summary of a press conference in Bolzano, where the upcoming ski highlights in Val Gardena and Alta Badia were presented. In passing, details of a special deal with the Austrian superstar were announced.

04 December 2024

"It's just a shame," said Andy Varallo on Wednesday in Maretsch Castle in the heart of Bolzano. There, the head of the organizing committee from Alta Badia, together with his counterpart from Val Gardena, presented the World Cup races in South Tyrol, which will take place shortly before Christmas. Varallo's regret goes to Marcel Hirscher, who tore his cruciate ligament during training and is now facing the definitive end of his career.

The Austrian, who attempted a major comeback this season with the Dutch national team, has a special status in Alta Badia. He has won eight times here, more than anyone else. "For me, he is like a local athlete," says Varallo. His tribute to Hirscher has a special reason, as he told SportNews reveals: “Twelve years ago, he donated his entire prize money to those affected by a mudslide in Val Gardena.” That was around 18.000 euros at the time.

Braathen brings new fans

As a sign of gratitude and as a concession to Hirscher's intended return to the World Cup, Alta Badia was in the process of working out a deal with the ski legend. "Our plan was to offer him the opportunity to train on the Gran Risa before the race. We were already in talks. We hope to see Marcel racing again in Alta Badia. He is always welcome here," said the Val Badia official.

You can listen to the full audio interview with Alta Badia’s OK boss Andy Varallo here:


But there is a small consolation for ski fans in South Tyrol: Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, a shrill bird, an absolute crowd favorite and the 2022 giant slalom winner, is returning to Alta Badia. "We are incredibly happy to have Braathen back. He is an idol for many young fans," said Varallo. The Norwegian, who is now competing for Brazil, will compete in both the giant slalom on December 22nd and the slalom in Alta Badia the following day.

Val Gardena is ready to go

Before that, the ski circus will be on the other side of the Gardena Pass, namely on the Saslong, where a Super-G will take place on December 20th and the traditional downhill on December 21st. There, the focus is primarily on the local ski stars as crowd pullers. Dominik Paris's first victory last winter sent a wave of euphoria through the Gardena Valley. "We saw what emotions can arise. That's why we hope that Domme and the local hero from Castelrotto, Florian Schieder, will repeat these successes this year," say those responsible in St. Christina.

Here you can hear the Val Gardena OK boss Rainer Senoner in an interview:


Rainer Senoner and his team are currently working non-stop. The motto is: everything has to be ready when the speed aces and thousands of fans make the pilgrimage to the valley of the woodcarvers in the week before Christmas. That's why work is being carried out on the Saslong almost around the clock. "The snow situation is good," assures Senoner, "The lift company has used every cold night to finish the slope. Now there's also some natural snow. In short: we're ready to go."

The World Cup dates in Val Gardena and Alta Badia: