Last year's winners were Karoline Pichler and Aaron Hofer.

Green light for 16th Helmissimo

Finally, the time has come: on Saturday, the 16th edition of the longest giant slalom in the Puster Valley will start at the Helm in the 3 Zinnen Dolomites ski area.

March 20, 2026

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For the nearly three hundred participating athletes, this start is a test of courage, as the race impresses with its statistics: 1000 meters of elevation gain, 104 gates, and four and a half kilometers. And the defending champions, Karoline Pichler and Aaron Hofer, are determined to prove themselves again.

Everything is set for the 16th South Tyrol Helmissimo, the unofficial season finale, which has been considered by amateur athletes for years to be the longest giant slalom in the Puster Valley. Athletes from 10 nations have announced their participation, including several athletes from Ukraine again this year and, for the first time, a participant from Australia.

A photo taken during the tour. © Christian Tschurtschenthaler

Expectations are high for the young organizing team of the amateur sports club Helm Vierschach. Nevertheless, everything is perfectly prepared: "We've left nothing to chance," says Daniel Mussi, president of the Helmissimo organizing committee. "It's gotten colder again, which promises a fast and exciting race on Saturday. The slope conditions couldn't be better."

Nearly 300 athletes are participating.

Nearly 300 skiers are once again taking on this Herculean task this year. "After all, there are a total of 104 gates to navigate on the 4,5 km long course, and things can get a bit tight with the strength in your thighs towards the end," says Karoline Trojer from Innichen with a smile, who has won the Helmissimo an impressive eight times.

Five more Helmissimo winners from previous years – Hermann Oberlechner, Stefan Lussnig, Daniel Klettenhammer, Katharina Sulzenbacher, and Matthias Oberhammer – have confirmed their participation. Karoline Pichler from Petersberg and Aaron Hofer from Wipptal are aiming for a double victory after their wins last year. They are therefore the ones to beat, and all eyes will be on them.

This means one thing is certain: Vierschach will be full of excitement this weekend. Afterwards, the celebrations can begin, because the Helmissimo after-ski party is legendary, and the organizers intend to live up to their reputation by providing all athletes and partygoers with an unforgettable ski festival to mark the end of the season.