The drama and excitement of World Cup ski racing is in full swing as thousands of spectators flock to Wengen, Switzerland for the Lauberhorn Downhill Race. The Lauberhorn is the longest downhill on the FIS World Cup circuit and demands strength and stamina as speeds reach above 90 mph on the 2 -1/2 mile course. This years winner was Didier Defago of Switzerland edging out defending champion Bode Miller(2nd-USA) and Marco Sullivan (3rd-USA). An estimated 30,000 fans cheered as one of their own brought the cup back to Switzerland.In Cortina, Italy the women enjoyed too much snow and a downhill race had to be canceled . When the sun came out on Saturday, it was pure excitement as racing continued on a shortened downhill course. The World Cup leader, Lindsey Vonn came in 2nd edged out by Dominique Gisin of Switzerland with Anya Paerson from Sweden third. Lindsey Vonn retains the 1st place lead in the World Cup points. She is having an outstanding year.
The Hahenkamm Downhill Race in Kitzbuhel, Austria attracted 35000+ fans to witness the toughest downhill race on the FIS World Cup Circuit. It is called the "Super Bowl" for skiing. The twists and turns, relentless steeps and high speed jumps make it a dangerous race if you are not prepared or make a mistake on the course. Again, Didier Defago of Switzerland came in 1st with Bode Miller tying for 4th.
By far, the most entertaining race to watch on Universal Sports was the night Slalom on a steep course in Schladming, Austria with 50,000 fanatic Austrian ski fans. They were there to see an Austrian skier win and they weren't disappointed. Reinfried Herbst and Manfred Pranger of Austria skied to a 1, 2 finish with Ivica Kostelic of Croatia in the third spot. You had to see it to believe it. 50,000 ski fans lined the course in a heavy snow storm with banners, horns and red flares to support their ski team. It was an unbelievable sight. It would be nice to see a turnout like that at any World Cup ski race in the USA.Why mention ski racing in a web page devoted to ski travel? Maybe it's just me, but watching athletes at the top of their sport competing in something they love is inspiring. But more than that, the ski resorts that hold these prestigious ski races get free advertising and a chance to show the world what they have to offer. The recent huge snow fall in Cortina D'Ampezzo that clung to the majestic Dolomite peaks was a beautiful back drop to the Women's' Downhill race. The bluebird skies of Wengen, Switzerland and the picture postcard setting of Kitzbuhel, Austria only has me adding these places to my "Bucket List" for future must ski resorts.
Check these European ski resorts on the web and start planning your own trip. And yes, you can ski these famous downhill courses when you get there but, be advised----- keep it under 30 mph.
Wengen, Switzerland - Ski the Bernese Oberland. Murren and Grindlewald are in the same area.
Kitzbuhel, Austria - Austria's premier ski resort
Cortina D'Ampezzo - The incredible scenic Dolomite mountain range in Italy
Schladming, Austria - One of several resorts in the Dachstein area.
The Ski Traveler
