Ski Teams Head South For Training

While some teams are still spending a few more weeks at home, dedicating their time to intensive gym sessions, several others have already embarked on their journey to the farthest corners of the globe. From the snow-capped peaks of New Zealand to the dramatic slopes of Ushuaia, Argentina, and the sprawling expanses of Chile, the migration of the World Cup athletes is well underway. Curious about who's where and what they're up to? Here’s a detailed recap of everyone spotted so far.

New Zealand: A Training Ground for the World’s Best

When it comes to New Zealand, one name inevitably springs to mind: Alice Robinson. The Australian-born skier, living in Queenstown, is thrilled to be back on home soil, making the most of the winter conditions before the relentless travel schedule of the European winter season begins. Despite her impressive career with 10 World Cup podiums, including three victories, Alice isn’t taking it easy. On August 15th, she secured the title of New Zealand Champion at the national championships, further solidifying her dominance.

Joining Alice in the Kiwi winter wonderland are some of the sport’s biggest names. Marcel Hirscher, the Austrian skiing legend now skiing in the colors of his mum's homeland, Holland, has been spotted at the Roundhill ski area, rigorously testing and training as he orchestrates a comeback to competitive skiing. Hirscher’s routine is intense, revolving around early morning starts, strict training schedules, and careful load management after five years away from the sport. Despite using just one of the two available ski lifts at Roundhill, Hirscher is confident that this setup is precisely what he needs at this stage.

"Coming here was a brilliant decision in every respect" said Marcel Hirscher remarked, emphasizing the benefits of his controlled return to racing.

Lucas Braathen, now representing Brazil, is also in New Zealand, training alongside his former Norwegian teammates. Although he’s been relatively quiet on social media, Lucas’s presence hasn’t gone unnoticed.

On the side of his former team, the Norwegian World Cup technical squad, including the likes of Timon Haugan, Atle Lie McGrath, Alexander Steen Olsen, Rasmus Windingstad and Sebastian Foss-Solevaag, will take full advantage of New Zealand’s conditions, combining rigorous training with well-deserved rest over their month-and-a-half stay.

Andorra’s Joan Verdu, fresh off his best World Cup season with two podium finishes, is another familiar face on the slopes of Roundhill. He’s been sharing glimpses of his training sessions on social media, offering fans a peek into his preparation amidst the stunning scenery.

The USA Women's team recently traveled to New Zealand, marking a significant moment for the squad. Nina O'Brien, who was sidelined with an injury last season, has made her return to the team. Her comeback is a source of immense joy for Paula Moltzan, who is thrilled to have her teammate back in action.

Ushuaia, Argentina: The Southernmost Training Ground

Shifting focus to another continent, Ushuaia, known as the Land of Fire, is the destination with the most teams.

The Swiss slalom racers, Croatian men and women, Slovenian women, and teams from Austria and Germany have all made their way to this remote location. With its unique landscape and reliable snow conditions, Ushuaia offers these athletes an ideal environment to fine-tune their skills before the start of the World Cup season. 

Chile: The Domain of Speed Teams

Finally, we turn to Chile, a favored destination for the speed teams. Currently, the Canadian men’s speed team is taking advantage of the vast and varied terrain that Chile has to offer.