When the Ski World Cup keeps Sölden in suspense, the entire sporting realm turns the spotlight on the hotspot of the Alps. A quivering ambience. Superbly exciting moments. Expect plenty of sporting spirit.
Every year at the end of October keen ski fans’ hearts will be bursting with anticipation. The biggest stars of the ski scene will stand at the start line on the Rettenbach glacier, high above Sölden – and for the first time in the new season will take themselves to their limits. ‘Ladies first’ is the order of the day at the ski opening in Sölden too.
The ladies start off with the first giant slalom in the Alpine Ski World Cup. On Sunday the men show their mettle – and get the keen spectators rejoicing. The attractive programme of supporting events as well as World Cup parties in Sölden have long enjoyed cult status.
In 1993 the Alpine Ski World Cup made a guest appearance for the first time here in Sölden. Since the millennium the giant slalom for men and ladies at the end of October has marked the official start of the international World Cup winter. Two years later, in 2002, history was written – Slovenian Tina Maze, Norwegian Andrine Flemmen and Austrian Nicole Hosp emerged as World Cup Race victors, with the same times. The victory record is held by Tina Maze, Ted Ligety and Hermann Maier, all three-time gold winners on the Rettenbach Glacier. Ted Ligety won in 2012 with the biggest margin – a whole 2.75 seconds separated him and second-placed Marcel Hirscher.