Less Than A Month To Go To The Seiser Alm Moonlight Classic
The countdown has begun for the 14th edition of the Seiser Alm Moonlight Classic, a traditional cross-country skiing race that will take place on the night of Friday 7 February. When night falls on Europe’s biggest Alpine pasture, an army of skiers will compete on one of two courses; 15 or 30 kilometres. The glow of the full moon, the white snow, the torchlight, musicians in traditional dress: these are just some of the characteristics that make the Moonlight Classic a unique event in the cross-country skiing calendar.
It’s hard to find an event that combines the competitive nature of a “real” race with the pleasure of a new sensorial, even introspective, experience. This is because skiing under the moonlight, following the torches along a chosen route, is an incredibly exciting way to get to know cross-country skiing. The Moonlight Classic is all this and more, and every year the date changes depending on the night of the full moon – this year it falls on Friday 7 February – while all the other details remain unchanged, like the two routes of 15 or 30 kilometres.
NUMEROUS INITIATIVES FOR SKIING FANS, BUT THAT’S NOT ALL!
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In addition to the competitive race, this year the organisers set up the Moonlight Classic Warm Up, an introductory programme to cross-country skiing led by Karin Moroder, a former member of the Italian national team and a bronze medallist at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano. The champion, who is herself from the local South Tyrol region, will lead novice cross country skiiers in the three days before the race. They will learn the sport’s secrets as they cover the 15 kilometre course. They will find out that physical strength is required for going uphill while going downhill means having faith in their own abilities. Furthermore, Karin Moroder will provide all the assistance necessary for choosing the right equipment from skis to waxing, depending on the condition of the snow. All the former Italian champion’s workshops can be booked separately and will have the following times: 4 and 6 February from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 February from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Further information about costs and signing up can be obtained at the information office of the Seiser Alm +39 0471 727904.
TWO SIDE EVENTS
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Alongside the Moonlight Classic Warm Up, the organisers have confirmed that two events that were great hits in previous editions will also be taking place this year. The first is Just for fun, which is for people who want to take part in the Moonlight Classic but without competing or having to be placed in the final standings: once the official competitors have set off, it will be the turn of those skiers who are doing it “Just for Fun.” The “Just for Fun” track is on the Compaccio – Ritsch – Compaccio circle, and people taking part have access to the same services as the official competitors for just €30. The Seiser Alm Ski & Run is a combination of the Moonlight Classic and the Mini-Marathon. The cross-country skiers who complete the Nordic ski race and the Seiser Alm half-marathon on 5 July, will be placed in a special rankings table, that will be calculated on the basis of their performances in the two races.
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MOONLIGHT CLASSIC: AN UPDATE
The start en masse for both tracks will be at 8 p.m. at Compaccio on an altitude of 1,843 metres and will finish at 10 p.m. back in Compaccio, the awards ceremony follows after the race. So far roughly 100 people are enrolled, but it’s still possible to register on www.moonlight.classic.info The cost is €60 for both races, it’s also possible to sign up on the day of the event until 7 p.m.. As winter sports events go, the Moonlight Classic is unique and is open to everyone: professionals amateurs, adults and kids, cross-country and Nordic skiers are all invited. All this shows the fascination of South Tyrol, a region that can be explored and enjoyed all year round. Here you can take part in various outdoor activities, surrounded by nature in enchanting locations.
For further information: www.moonlightclassic.info
