Austrian ski spectacle: This year again between 45.000 and 50.000 spectators will transform the Planai into a madhouse. © APA / ERWIN SCHERIAU

The Planai is calling: Double nighttime spectacle in Schladming

After Kitzbühel is before Schladming! The Ski World Cup is entering the next round, another classic is coming up. There are 2 night races on Styrian snow: a giant slalom on Tuesday and the most important slalom of the season, the night race in Schladming.

22 January 2024

From: cst

Around 50.000 spectators are expected for the legendary night race in Schladming on Wednesday. The night slalom on the Planai is a classic in the Ski World Cup and one of the most popular races of the season. Things are currently looking rather bad for the South Tyrolean technology specialists.

Whether in the slalom or the giant slalom, South Tyrol's technicians are currently not among the best in the world. Alex Vinatzer was able to see a slight upward trend in Kitzbühel (16th), but things aren't really going well in Val Gardena either. Simon Maurberger is deep in crisis and can barely even qualify for the second run. Most recently, Tobias Kastlunger didn't manage to do that either. Italy's slalom hopes in Schladming lie with Tommaso Sala, who was again in the top 2 in Kitzbühel (9th).

Hannes Zingerle achieved a conceivable finish in the Schladming giant slalom last year - but remained uninjured. © APA / ERWIN SCHERIAU

In giant slalom the situation is almost even trickier. Because Luca De Aliprandini is in poor form (and is also arguing with the association), the Azzurri currently don't have a top driver. But who knows, maybe there will be a surprising turnaround at the night giant slalom in Schladming? Giant slalom doesn't have much of a tradition on the Planai. It is only being held for the 6th time. Last year the premiere took place under floodlights. Because the race was well received by spectators and athletes back then, it will take place again this year.

FIS Ski World Cup in Schladming

Tuesday, January 23th: Giant slalom (17.45 p.m./20.45 p.m.)
Wednesday, January 24th: Slalom (17.45:20.45 p.m./XNUMX:XNUMX p.m.)

The Azzurri line-up: Luca De Aliprandini, Giovanni Borsotti, Filippo Della Vite, Simon Talacci, Hannes Zingerle, Simon Maurberger, Stefano Gross, Tommaso Sala, Tobias Kastlunger, Corrado Barbera, Alex Vinatzer, Matteo Canins