The 2022 Olympics begins in Rasen/Antholz

The “China Ski Team South Tyrol” has rented the entire structure until the end of the winter season. The young athletes will train on the ski slopes in the area, the ski training will be coordinated by Franz Gamper (Ulten) and Hansjörg Plankensteiner (Rasen). Gamper was trainer of ski star Aksel Lund Svindal (NOR) until the end of the 2017 season, Plankensteiner is still working as Christof Innerhofer's private trainer. “At the beginning we had to divide the groups depending on age and ability. The requirement from China is to prepare young people for the Olympics. For all of us that means working really hard,” says Franz Gamper. “They are all athletes, they mainly come from speed skating. They make the impression to me that they are physically very fit.”

On the slopes, the training groups are led by experienced and certified ski trainers or ski instructors. The training groups are accompanied by interpreters to facilitate communication. In the afternoons, language courses (English), as well as fitness training and material knowledge are on the program for the young people from China. “We have specially set up a ski room, the work tables and the tools, everything is highly professional. It’s also about familiarizing young people with skis, ski racing and equipment,” explains Hansjörg Plankensteiner. “Our goal is to have one or two athletes at the start in 2022. We don’t dream or talk about medals.”

“Continuing Erwin Stricker’s work” The group arrived in Oberrasen shortly before Christmas; those responsible around Gottfried Rottensteiner from Montan had already sought contact with the community in advance. “The entire training program is designed to last until the end of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. We are just at the beginning. Twelve years of building trust in China have made it possible to bring the aspiring Olympians to South Tyrol. Without the commitment and enthusiasm of the unforgettable Erwin Stricker, who took me to China back then, none of this would have been possible,” emphasizes Rottensteiner and adds: “The athletes are very disciplined, that is very important to all of us. After all, the whole group will stay in town for four months.”

At a reception, the mayor of the municipality of Rasen/Antholz, Thomas Schuster, was able to get an idea of the “China Ski Team South Tyrol”. “They are all motivated young people, very impressive. The entire project, from accommodation to support, is simply top. Of course the young skiers arouse the population's interest, but we as a community were informed early on, so it's not a problem at all." The mayor was accompanied by sports and tourism officer Peter Johann Preindl. “I have to say, this is a great project, it’s good for the entire valley.” And Georg Zingerle, the President of the Antholzertal Tourism Association, sees the presence of the Chinese junior ski team in Oberrasen as confirmation of the work so far: “Antholz is known far beyond Europe for biathlon, but hardly anyone knows that we also have a ski lift . This slope is ideal especially for training purposes and is of course upgraded.”

The makers of the “China Ski Team South Tyrol” also see the project as a great opportunity to make South Tyrol known as a country, but also the expertise of local experts in the field of winter sports and tourism, in China. So far, South Tyrol is not a household name in China, as Italy is only associated with Venice and fashion and not with skiing and mountains.

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The 2022 Olympics begins in Rasen/Antholz

With a view to the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing (People's Republic of China), we have succeeded in bringing a team of 50 young athletes from China to South Tyrol. The skiers aged 14-22 are accommodated in the former Hotel “Andreas Hofer” in Oberrasen.

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