Criticism of piste work in Val d'Isere: “They destroyed it”

In Val d'Isere the men's slalom had to be canceled on Sunday. Because it rained and snowed all night, the slope was a safety risk for the athletes. However, there is harsh criticism from the Austrian camp. The Brixen race director Markus Waldner is also not satisfied.

10 December 2023

From: cst

Austria is a big ski nation. The red-white-red word has weight and is heard. That's why ÖSV head coach Marko Pfeifer's criticism should also be heard in Val d'Isere. He is of the opinion that the cancellation could have been prevented - and is not alone in this.

“In Val d'Isere they always only finish producing snow at the last moment,” said Waldner ORF-Interview on record. This would mean that the piste would become impassable when it rained, said the South Tyrolean race director: “On Saturday there were tip-top conditions. But with the rain the piste gives way and it collapses.” ÖSV head coach Pfeifer is of the same opinion and even went one step further with his criticism: “You drove the heavy machine on the piste and that destroyed it. If you had done a good basic preparation with ice early enough, something like this shouldn’t happen.”

The slalom slope in Val d'Isere was cleared of nets and gates after the cancellation. © APA/afp / JEFF PACHOUD

Henrik Kristoffersen also didn't mince his words and said: “It wasn't a good decision to send the equipment onto the slopes. Now I can't do anything except go home." Marco Schwarz said: "It's bitter, but nature was stronger." The canceled slalom in Val d'Isere is unlikely to be rescheduled.