Vonn Will Be At Solden - Racing or Watching ?

The steep race slope on Rettenbach Glacier is in top conditions. It was confirmed by the International Ski Federation (FIS) during the formal snow inspection on 17 October. All signs are therefore pointing to a fabulous start to the Alpine Ski World Cup season with tens of thousands of fans, exciting races and brilliant comebacks. Tickets are available online at soelden.com and directly on site. They also include free shuttle bus rides from Ötztal-Bahnhof to the event.

In addition to the presence of professionals from major ski nations such as Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, France, Norway and the USA, even athletes from Brazil, Albania and Argentina are relying on the perfect conditions for their last preparation units.

Among them Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, who wants to bring Brazilian samba to the race slope, all-time ski hero Marcel Hirscher, Frenchman Alexis Pinturault as well as Lindsey Vonn and Lara Gut-Behrami.

Vonn would certainly be eligible for a wildcard entry under the new FIS rule (article 3.2. 1) which states that “a Wild Card can be granted to athletes who have won either a World Cup Overall Globe, an Event Globe (DH, SG, GS or SL under the condition of a minimum of five (5) World Cup victories), Olympic Gold Medal (Individual) or World Championship Gold Medal (Individual)." However no one is saying whether or not she's applied....

Sölden is ready to promise all top athletes and their fans a truly superlative ski festival at the start of the season. The women will be racing on Austria's national holiday, 26 October. The men's race on Sunday, 27 October, provides breathtaking moments as well. Ötztal’s local heroes Franziska Gritsch and Fabio Gstrein will also take part in the races. A great variety of international languages can currently be heard in the glacier ski area.

"The current training conditions are really excellent. The athletes also confirm this," explains Slope Director Isidor Grüner. After the official "go" given by the International Ski Federation (FIS) as part of the snow inspection, Sölden’s OC team is very much looking forward to a sporty and exciting start to the new World Cup season for both athletes and fans.

If you want to experience the special spirit of this World Cup Opening in Sölden close by and live, a valid ticket is the key to top-class sport and entertainment. In addition to access to the Glacier Stadium, the ticket also includes free shuttle bus rides by public transport from Ötztal-Bahnhof as well as the varied side & entertainment program with Fan Club Parade, bib draw, parties with DJs and live music on the glacier and in the valley at Giggijoch Gondola base station. Performers on stage will be No Lipstick, BÄÄM & Bras, The Killbillys or the popular band “Die Draufgänger” with their new hit “Sophie”. The coveted tickets are available in advance both online at www.soelden.com and on site on race days. In addition to day tickets, 2-day tickets for both races can be purchased. Children born in 2019 and younger enjoy free admission. All fans from South Tyrol can travel directly via the Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road (open daily from 7 am to 8 pm).

World Cup Opening Sölden

Friday, 25.10.24
from 17.00 World Cup Party & drawing of Women’s bib numbers – Giggijoch Gondola car park

Saturday, 26.10.24

10.00 – 1st run: Women’s Giant Slalom – Rettenbach Glacier
13.00 – 2nd run: Women’s Giant Slalom – Rettenbach Glacier
followed by presentation of winners & Glacier Party
from 17.00 – World Cup Party, Fan Club Parade, prize giving ceremony and drawing of Men’s bib numbers – Giggijoch Gondola car park

Sunday, 27.10.24

10.00 – 1st run: Men’s Giant Slalom – Rettenbach Glacier
13.00 – 2nd run: Men’s Giant Slalom – Rettenbach Glacier
followed by Men’s award ceremony and prize giving & Glacier Party