About the pitfalls of planning a ski race in times like these

Rainer Senoner has already experienced quieter years as head of the Val Gardena races. “Organizing a race this year under these circumstances is not easy. But we in Val Gardena see it as a contribution to the restart throughout the country. We want to move even closer together with Alta Badia and together send a message to the world that skiing can be problem-free,” said the long-time president.

“We also work closely with all South Tyrolean World Cup organizers of other winter sports, who also do everything in their power to ensure that their races take place. These events are enormously important for our country, be it for tourism promotion or for local economic cycles,” says Senoner. However, the situation is uncertain, especially because it is not yet known how the Corona situation will develop until the beginning of December (i.e. when the Ski World Cup really starts).

Rainer Senoner, President of the Saslong Classic Club and race director in Val Gardena. © saslong.org

Senoner hopes that the races on December 18th and 19th can be held with spectators. “I see positive signs from Austria, where football is now being played in front of fans. There are already spectators at indoor sports such as ice hockey. That's why we're confident that an outdoor sport like skiing can have spectators, albeit in smaller numbers. You will have to understand that you may no longer have the big VIP tents. In addition, the spectators must of course behave according to the rules,” said the Val Gardena boss. Financial aspect is the biggest hurdle The biggest problem at the moment is the financial aspect. “You can no longer be insured against a pandemic,” says Senoner, who explains: “When you start planning, you already have certain costs. If the races were then canceled, it would be devastating. That's why it's very important for us - and I'm very grateful for that - that we have strong support from the political and tourist sides. Nevertheless, if at the beginning of December everything was canceled, then that would cost us dearly.”

Of course, people in Val Gardena don't hope that this will happen. But even so, the organizers will face greater financial expenditure due to the strict Corona requirements. “We expect that we will have between 300.000 and 400.000 euros in additional costs,” says Senoner, who adds: “In terms of ticket revenue, we will probably lose at least 60 to 70 percent of last years, and we also have to see what happens “Looks like the sponsors.”

It was only on Wednesday that the ski calendar was slightly modified (among other things, it was decided that a slalom and not a parallel competition would be held in Alta Badia) - it cannot be ruled out that there will be further changes. Could Val Gardena also step into the breach if necessary? “With four races in a row, we already have a tight program in South Tyrol and we are happy with it. If the worst came to the worst, we would certainly be willing to talk,” said Senoner. In any case, the mood among Senoner and his team is positive. “The ski season basically only lasts three and a half months. That's why everyone is willing to do something. The mood at the FIS is also positive.”

At the same time, Senoner finally assures: “We will do everything we can to ensure that everyone can enjoy the races with maximum safety.” We can only hope that Corona doesn’t end up spitting in everyone’s soup.

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About the pitfalls of planning a ski race in times like these

The ski season starts in a month with the races in Sölden. However, due to the Corona situation, there is still a lot of uncertainty at the moment. Also in South Tyrol.

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