Val Gardena and the audience question: “People want to come”

These are turbulent times. Finding the balancing act between rising Covid numbers, constantly new regulations and the organization of major sporting events is also a tough test for the South Tyrolean Ski World Cup organizers. Rainer Senoner, OK President of the Val Gardena World Cup, comments 3 weeks before the races. Val Gardena has been in the red zone for a few days with Ortisei, St. Christina and Selva. To what extent does this concern you with regard to the Ski World Cup? Rainer Senoner: “It concerns me mainly as a member of the Val Gardena community. The fact that we are in the red zone here in the valley means that far too many people still haven't been vaccinated. Apart from that, we should return to normality from December 6th when the Super Green Pass regulation comes into force.” How big are your fears that the races in Val Gardena will have to take place without spectators this year, like last year? “These are the crucial hours and days at the moment. We started advance ticket sales and we saw that people wanted to come to us to watch the races on site. As of Monday, November 29th, we are in close and constant communication with state and local politicians as well as the medical unit in order to weigh up all eventualities. A decision should be made very soon, perhaps today or tomorrow.” “We only want to rely on helpers who have been double vaccinated.” Rainer Senoner, Gröden's OC boss A little more than 600 helpers will also be involved in the races. Is there a moral obligation for them to be vaccinated? “We cannot force our helpers to get vaccinated. But we only want to rely on those who have been double vaccinated by the time of race week.” To what extent do you worry about the news that positive cases are also increasing in the Ski World Cup? This certainly worries us. We hope that our health concept, which we set up last year with the medical unit, can protect everyone in the best possible way. We will do everything we can to ensure that there are no new cases. How will the teams be accommodated? Just like last year there will be 2 bubbles. All athletes, coaches, support staff and anyone directly involved with the teams will be represented in the red bubble. The organizing committee staff, TV people and everyone else are in the blue bubble. You will be tested for the Super Green Pass every day. Last year, the World Cup races took place silently, i.e. without fans and without the lifts being open. Does the experience from the previous year help or is it still a completely new situation? Last year's experience absolutely helps us, but in the end only to a limited extent. What is a big challenge for us as organizers this year is the fact that, thank God, the lifts are open. This means that skiers can be found on the mountain. The same applies to the ski resorts in the valley. The possibilities for contact and therefore the risk of infection are much higher. That makes it much more difficult. Last question: How far along are you with the preparation of the Saslong race track? The first cold and therefore good night is behind us. We would like to thank the Saslong lift company for their good work so far. From Wednesday we will take care of preparing the slopes on the race track. 40 people will be on the Saslong including snowcat drivers.

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Val Gardena and the audience question: “People want to come”

Despite the “red zone” for the entire valley, preparations for the Val Gardena Ski World Cup are in full swing. The opening of the lifts is both a blessing and a curse.

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