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Ivica Kostelič’s wish to reach the world cup finals in Lenzerheide, having won the prized Crytsal Globe, finally came true in Kvitfjell. He is, now, so far ahead of his competitors that the prospect of any of them finishing close is next to nothing. Besides, if one must be honest, then it is fair to say that not did offer a challenge one this season. Svindal was out of tune, while Janka fell ill and Cuche didn’t compete in 2 disciplines. This turn of events eventually allowed the Croat to deservedly achieve one of his sporting goals. These results should not make the competition any less interesting though, as many more questions are still left unanswered.

The Downhill (M): Two veterans, who have led the discipline for the past 6 years, will be fighting it for the small Crystall Globes. Before Kvitfjell, Didier Cuche came as favourite to dispose of Michael Walchhofer, however the Austrian managed a win ensued by a third place that catapulted him in top position in the rankings. Before the last competition, Cuche had a 14 points lead over the Swiss, with Klaus Kroell still in with a theoretical chance to win a globe. However, the track in Lenzerheide should suit Cuche best.
SUPER G (M): With his victory in Kvitfjell Didier Cuche made a big step towards an overall win in the discipline. Second came the Austrian Streitberger, and in third place came Ivica Kostelič who was already lagging 68 points behind. Cuche is so much in control that finishing anywhere amongst the first eight will guarantee him an overall victory in the discipline.

Giant Slalom: With already three wins this season, the American Ted Ligety is well ahead his closest competitor. The world champion holds a 77 points lead over the Norwegian Svindal, who is yet to hit top form. Provided that Ligety finishes in the top eleven, he will successfully defend last year’s title owned by himself. In an incredible twist of faith, the French skier Cyprien Richard could still be in with a chance to grab gold.
The best 2 slalom competitors dropped out of the Kranjksa Gora championship. This leaves Lenzerheide to decide who the overall slalom will champion. Kostelič is 36 points ahead of the Frenchman Jean Baptiste Grange, who is currently in top form. The French skier can still win it, only if the Croat falls in a heap of trouble. The Swede will also be hoping for mistake from the first two as he will be fighting for a top finish place.
SUPERKOMBINACIJA (M): Ivica Kostelič has already won the small crystal globe.

As for the women, the situation is theopposite. The winners in individual disciplines are almost all already decided, but the battle to decide the winner in the team discipline promises to be a tough one . Friends Maria Riesch and Lindsey Vonn will be fighting it out. The German has a 23 points advantage with 4 competitions left, although the American skier appears to be mentally stronger. In the end, small will decide the faith of the race.
Downhill (W): Lindsey Vonn is already Crystal Globe winner.
SUPER G (Z): Lindsey Vonn is also already a Crystal Globe winner in this discipline.
GS (F): Young Victoria Rebensburg is presently in the best position to win the discipline.
And just as for Ligety, the German skier finds herself 77 points ahead of second placed French Tessa Worley. In order to win, the latter will be hoping for a top finish in the final competition or a second place, with Rebensburg making a mistake.
SLALOM (W): Marlies Schield already the winner of the Crystal Globe.
SUPERG (W): Lindsey Vonn is already the winner of the Crystal Globe.

Original text by Urban Lavrenčič translated from the Slovene by Christian Ngalikpima.

This season Alpine World cup has now reached fever pitch. The male contingent will, after the Swiss tour, stop in Kitzbühel, Austria, for the 71st Hahnenkamm Cup, while its female counterpart will be visiting the cosmopolitan Cortina d’Ampezzo in Italy. These races attract each year millions of television viewers, but also bring a huge number of spectators to the tracks themselves. This year would be no exception if it wasn’t for the weather that has been disrupting the competition for the 3rd week in a row.

For my part, I have noticed for the past few years that New Year is often followed by a sharp rise in temperature. The Föhn, a warm wind as it is called in the ski world has of late regularly threatened to disrupt the races taking place in the Bernese Alps, in Switzerland. Adelboden, and Wengen, have had huge problems in recent seasons, and managed only with strenuous effort to bring the competition to completion. This year, the Swiss have been lucky to get enough snow and consequently had ample snow cover to proceed with the races, despite the spring-like temperatures.
Of course, the preparation of the competitive tracks in these conditions becomes a much bigger challenge. The organisers resorted in this instance to salt and artificial PTX. First, a layer of snow is removed from the track, by a snow groomer, which is then covered with a synthetic material that is sprayed with water before being covered again with the final layer of snow. This operation is repeated just before the race, albeit without the use of the snow groomer. Thus not spelling the best prospects for the competition or competitors for that matter! A bleaker prospect awaits the skiers placed higher up in the starting line-up. They will find it much harder to achieve any kind of good results. In the past, the Swiss have also had troubles with environmentalists who would not allow the use the PTX. But that threat has been removed as the State implemented a law that empowers ski race officials to do whatever they see fit in order to salvage a race.
It all seemed that the matter would be settled before the week end, and that winter temperatures would be greeting racers. But as it happened, the drop has failed to materialise on time and not all downhill trainings could be completed on the famous Streif track as it was still raining in the lower segment of the track only last Wednesday.
Workers were toiling day and night, trying to consolidate the snow on time for the first race. Later, on Wednesday night, the rain turned to snow. However, bad weather has now been forecast for the week end. Fog should also join the party. Let us not forget that, in the past, fog has already forced a few races to be cancelled at the foot of the Hahnenkamm Mountain.
No matter what, Günther Hujara, one of the judges in the men’s world cup competition, will be working overtime. Everyone is piling up pressure on him; the organizers, the media, the athletes and the coaches. Ultimately, he will be the one switching the red or green lights on to competitors at the starting line. Meteorologists too will be trying their very best to provide “to the minute” predictions about the changes in the Kitzbühel skies. Incidently, some world cup organisers have in recent years invested a lot of money towards state of the art meteorological equipment. However nature once again shows that it transcends man.
Kitzbühel is now faced with a tough ordeal, since the rules state that at least one downhill training session must take place before the actual race. If that fails, then the prospect of having to sacrifice Friday’s super G is well and truly alive. Downhill in Kitzbühel is the alpha and omega. The Super-G race can be moved to another location, but the downhill in Streif is irreplaceable. It is already clear that the race cannot be moved to the Monday and Sunday has specifically been scheduled to host the Slalom race. In the end, it seems that the weather will be the one to decide the next course of events.

Original text by Urban Lavrenčič translated from the Slovene by Christian Ngalikpima.

Swiss Alpine skiing finds itself troubled waters. Last season’s results were extremely successful, however, this turn around, the Swiss team didn’t come close to their past achievements. The biggest loser so far, being Carlo Janka. Indeed, last World Cup’s aggregate winner is exhausted. This could be the result from the lack of training this summer, as a mysterious virus cut short the preparations. Furthermore, he also missed the traditional pre New Year’s downhill race in Bormio.
The next issue is Silvan Zurbriggen. The Swiss champion is currently giving his coach Martin Rufener some serious headaches. In Lake Louise, he was thrown out of the hotel he was staying in for harassing the cleaning lady. He reportedly walked about his room wearing nothing but his birthday suit. A horrified maid filed a complaint; and out of the luxurious premises was Zurbriggen thrown.
For as long as they could, the Swiss team tried to keep the lid on the “scandal”, and they did for some time. But then Silvan won the race in Val Gardena and tongues unleashed. Not a rosy prospect for Zurbriggen, who is in a serious relationship, especially when one considers the fact that he found himself into similar waters a few years back in Alta Badia. That time, he allegedly exposed his manhood to an old lady, who resorted to denounce him to the local authorities. His line of defence then was that he was just responding to nature’s call.
To cap it all up, there’s Lara Gut. She will undoubtedly drive the Swiss team coach Mauro Pini off the wall. Let us remind ourselves that Pini was in Gut’s team only a while ago, and that their subsequent separation didn’t happen in the friendliest of manners. Lara, on several occasions, criticised in public the work of the Swiss A team. She did not agree with the team’s training methods. That’s not all! In the summer, she opted to join the Swedish team rather than her own. It all went too far that time, and the ski federation decided to ban her from the Semmering events. To miss an event in Alpine skiing represents a severe penalty, as competition seasons are pretty short.
Lara Gut has threatened to compete for another country. Should she do so, then the Swiss team could render her life a real misery. Lawyers have been brought in to resolve the matter so as to satisfy both parties. On top of all this, her own sponsors are now also suing the Swiss champion for conflict of interest.
Regardless, the Swiss have this year accumulated so many problems off the track that it could easily make for a repeat of last year’s results. Heads are simply not cool enough and thoughts are erring in the wrong direction. The season is now in full swing and the other teams are already rubbing their hands in expectation.

Original text by Urban Lavrenčič translated from the Slovene by Christian Ngalikpima.

The Littler Known Places to Go, Ski, and See

Just because a ski resort is little known (or not known at all) doesn’t mean that it is has no good outdoor winter activities. Quite the contrary: Some of the best kept secrets are that exactly—the places that not too many people think of going. Though the locals may know about their own best-kept secrets, it doesn’t mean that you can’t barge in for some serious skiing or boarding on your neighbors powder. I’ve come up with some out-of-the-way ski destinations and what you can do there this winter. It’s time to give up the crowds, expense and go native.

Andorra

Though you may have never thought of taking a visit to Andorra—that little speck tucked between Spain and France—there are some ski resorts you won’t soon forget. One that comes to mind is Vallnord Ordino, Arcalis. Arcalis is literally concealed between the main Cercle d’Arcalis, a valley with some snowy north-facing slopes with trees all around. Aside from some crazy locals and those living in the neighboring towns (across the borders), you won’t find this place overblown with tourists. The nearly 700 meter drop won’t leave you laughing except for the joy of being alive (OK, it’s not that bad) and  there probably more snow making machines per  hectare than any other European snow resort.

Austria

It’s a little harder than you might think finding a “small” or “reclusive” ski resort in Austria that no one has ever heard of. One that I came across, however, is not as small and popular as it feels. Lech (Zurs am Arlberg) is one of those getaways that you won’t be disappointed I when you get here. There’s a few more than 100 ski slopes to choose from and a cool children’s park and a few times a day you can jump on a horse drawn sleigh. The 2800 meter vertical will take up plenty of your day perfecting.

Germany

The little-heard of ski resort of Wallberg in Germany is a recluses dream ski holiday. Though there is one great toboggan run around 7 km long and a ski slope meant for true experts, Wallberg is meant for those who come to do other activities in the snow. Those few souls looking for outdoor adventure away from the crowds during the ski season come to Wallberg for cross-country skiing, primo explorations around lake Tegernsee and Nordic skiing. Others come for the views and the unconventional panoramic views from the restaurant.

Switzerland

If you’re looking for a small escape in the land of plenty, then a trip to the 10 ski slopes at Kandersteg will keep you solo and happy. The number of km for the slopes is about 50 km, so there’s some nice diversity in the long runs. However, Kandersteg really only caters to intermediate and expert skiers, again, making it an escapist’s snowy dream. (There are some blue slopes, so don’t fret.) You can even get up to 3000 meters and head down the 1700 metered slope as many times san-lines as much as your heart desires. Kandersteg probably has the cheapest weekly rates, starting at around 115 Euro per week. Not too shabby, eh?

While most of Switzerland’s ski resorts are located along the Italian, French or Austrian border, Engelberg stands alone in the centre of the country. The picture perfect village counts about 3500 inhabitants and is nested in the Obwalden Alps. In its early days, Engelberg’s activities revolved around its monastery, established in the 12th century, which was considered a great place of knowledge. Winter sports started to develop in the late 19th century, shortly after the first hotel was built.

In summer, the Engelberg-Titlis mountain cable-ways don’t stay still! In fact, they allow skiers and boarders to enjoy their sport even in the heart of summer, on the Titlis Glacier. All kinds of sport lovers can also enjoy their favourite summer activities, and there are plenty: Mountain bikers of all levels will find suiting challenge on one of the 14 mountain biking trails (from beginner to expert level). The Via Ferrata network offers five routes to choose from, and one has been designed for the whole family to be able to discover this alpine activity. While the Via Ferrata demands a good overall physical shape, the Seilpark (rope park) is accessible to most, given that they are not afraid of heights. The six trails are comprised of hanging bridges, Nepal walkways and exciting Tyroleans. For those of us who prefer having both feet on the ground, numerous opportunities of Nordic walking as well as hiking are offered and the Golf Club Engelberg-Titlis (18 holes, 5505 m, Par 71), with its fantastic panorama, is the perfect spot to combine sport, nature and well-being.

In winter, ski at an altitude ranging between 1000 and 3000 metres above sea level. The resort of Engelberg-Titlis has 82 kilometres of runs and 24 transport installations to offer, so one can expect perfect skiing enjoyment on blue, red and black slopes. Engelberg is definitely the place to be for snowboard enthusiasts, in winter or summer, since the offer is very complete here: a fun park on the Joch Pass during winter, on the Titlis glacier in summer and all of its runs. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, all winter activities usually found in European ski resorts are also found here: telemark, cross country skiing, sledding, Nordic walking, hiking, snowshoeing, etc. For sport events enthusiasts, the FIS ski jump world cup is held here in December and the Swiss Snow Walking Event in March. During both this events, think about booking your accommodation ahead because Engelberg hotels and apartments fill up quite quickly.

The impressive Benedictine monastery is still operational today, with more than 30 monks in residence. Visits are possible Wednesday to Saturday from 10AM to 4PM and typical regional cheese (ladled by hand into a mould by the monks) can be purchased in the boutique (open daily) located in the monastery.

Not sure what you want to do during the gap year you were sooo looking forward to six months ago? More and more young people put their gap year to profit to take courses and become a qualified ski instructor. Oh and obviously, you don’t have to get the qualification close to home!

Once again, The Skiing Department Blog offers great insight and info on the topic, with links to a few establishment offering ski instructor courses. See the post here.
Note that only one of the schools listed offers training in the Alps (in Verbier and Saas-Fee): the Warren Smith Academy.

1 area, 2 countries, 12 resorts-villages, countless activities included.

In my opinion, the Multi Pass Portes du Soleil is THE tool to fully take advantage of mountain holidays in the Portes du Soleil area, whether you intend to visit the French side, the Swiss side, or both. Valid until September 21st, visitors can by it at local lift and tourist offices. A day pass costs 6€ and a season pass, 50€, but if you stay at one of the numerous participating accommodations, it will cost you as little as 1€ per day of your stay to access all included activities.

The Multi Pass Portes du Soleil is valid in:
France: Abondance, Avoriaz, Châtel, La Chapelle d’Abondance, Les Gets, Montriond, Morzine, Saint Jean d’Aulps.
Switzerland: Champéry, Morgins, Torgon, Val-d’Illiez - Les Crosets -  Champoussin.

It grants its beholder unlimited access to the following installations in each of the above-mentioned resorts: tennis courts, swimming pools, mountain-lifts, bus shuttles, cultural sites and tourist road trains.

I actually fail to see why anyone would visit the Portes du Soleil area this summer and NOT get a Multipass, at least for a few days!

A great way to discover Switzerland’s magnificent panoramas is get on a train and, not surprisingly, Switzerland is the European country with the most mountain railway routes. Here are (in my opinion) the most spectacular ones:

Bernina Express

Route: Chur/Davos/St. Moritz - Berninapass - Poschiavo - Tirano
The Rhaetian railway section called the Bernina Express is truly a technical marvel, offering countless breathtaking views. It will take you 2 ½ hours to complete the 145-km trip, which will take you from Davos all the way to Lugano during summertime.
Where the journey takes you: across viaducts, through tunnels and the Berninapass (2,253m), in Davos, Saint Moritz, Graubünden and Tirano, in the Poschiavo valley and past mountain torrents.

GoldenPass Panoramic

Route: Lucerne - Montreux
This 5-hour mountain train trip allows its passengers to see very different aspects of Switzerland: the «Swiss Riviera» in Montreux, with its palm trees that give an almost Mediterranean feel, the alpine black fir tree forests and of course, lots of green pastures.
Where the journey takes you: In Lucerne, Zweisimmen, Interlaken, Gstaad, Meiringen and Montreux, over the Brünig Pass, in the Lake Geneva tunnel, in the Simmen Valley and by many lakes

The Glacier Express

Route: Zermatt - Davos/St. Moritz
You can take the Glacier Express from St. Moritz of from Zermatt, the trip between both will take you about 7 ½ hours. During that time, you get to admire forests, pastures, and streams as well as mountain valleys and peaks.
Where the journey takes you: over 291 bridges, in 91 tunnels, and in 7 valleys. In Davos, St.Moritz, Chur, the Rhine gorge, Andermatt, Brig, the Oberalp pass (2,033m), the Canton Valais, the Matterhorn, and Zermatt.

For any of those journeys, reservations are essential. Train tickets and information on the different routes offered is found on MySwitzerland.com/rail.

It’s time to hit the Jungfrau region the 21st and 22nd of August to cheer for the participants of the Inferno triathlon. The maximum number of participant (250) has already been reached, but it’s infernal enough that most people, even confirmed athletes, not to dare taking part to the event.

Here are some numbers about the 4 disciplines of the triathlon (sic), to make you feel better not to participate:

Inferno Triathlon

Swimming in Thun – Oberhofen
Distance: 3.1 km
Road bike through Oberhofen, Interlaken, Meiringen, Grosse Scheidegg, Grindelwald, etc.
Distance: 97 km, slope: 2145 m.
Mountain bike through Grindelwald, Kleine Scheidegg, Wengen, Lauterbrunnen and Stechelberg.
Distance: 30 km, slope: 1180 m.
Fell Running through Stechelberg, Lauterbrunnen, Mürren and Schilthorn.
Distance: 25 km, slope: 2175 m.

Registrations are still open though for the half-marathon and the relay race. Also, our athletic kids and teenagers, and also less well trained triathletes and beginners, can still enter the Mürren Fun Triathlon. Here’s how this one goes:

Mürren Fun Triathlon

Swimming in the indoor swimming pool Mürren
Kids: 100 m
Others: 200 m
Mountain bike through Mürren and Winteregg
Slope 150 m
Kids: 4,7 km
Others: 5,5 km
Running through the village of Mürren
Circuit not completely flat
Kids: 1,3 km
Others: 2,6 km

Looks like a great active family vacation opportunity in Switzerland!