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Behind the scenes of the Freeski World Cup Stubai 2024
It will soon be time again for the best freeskiers on the scene to meet at the Snowpark Stubai Zoo for the Slopestyle World Cup kick-off, which is being held for the eighth time this year. We take a look behind the scenes of the event and caught up with the head of the organizing committee Erich Flatscher and Chief of Course Mike Sonnenberger to talk to them about the preparations, the challenges and the highlights of the event.
OC boss Erich Flatscher is organizing the Freeski World Cup Stubai on behalf of the Austrian Ski Association for the eighth time. He is the overall leader of the event and works closely with the ÖSV, the FIS, the Stubai Glacier and other partners. We asked Erich a few questions on the occasion of the upcoming World Cup.
Erich, the FIS Freeski World Cup is coming to the Snowpark Stubai Zoo for the eighth time in November 2024 - how are the preparations going?
The preparations are going according to plan. We are working in a well-coordinated team and can therefore build on a lot of valuable experience. The early onset of winter in the high mountains has also increased our anticipation once again.
What are the biggest challenges surrounding the event?
As an outdoor event in a high alpine environment, you are very dependent on the weather. Before and during the event, the weather often presents us with a number of challenges! This ranges from too little to too much snow, temperatures that are too warm or too cold. And of course the wind. Last year, we were unable to hold the final on Saturday due to a storm. There are many possible scenarios. This requires a professional mindset paired with a great deal of flexibility and adaptability from everyone involved.
Why is the Stubai Glacier the perfect venue for the freeskiers' Slopestyle World Cup opener?
The conditions at this time of year on the Stubai Glacier are almost unique, and in good weather conditions the Stubai Zoo is the perfect playground for freeskiers and snowboarders. We are delighted to be able to use this environment as part of an international competition and put it in the spotlight.
What can spectators - both on site and at the final on ORF1 and international TV channels - look forward to?
An exciting competition with lots of action and hopefully Austrian participation on the podium.
Mike Sonnenberger and his company Schneestern are responsible for the course at the Freeski World Cup and shaped the Snowpark Stubai Zoo. As Chief of Course for the World Cup, he is responsible for the course and has to plan and implement the course according to the official regulations. We met Mike for a quick chat.
Mike,the Snowpark Stubai Zoo already offers perfect conditions for an international competition in the fall - what are the challenges for you in successfully holding the event?
The biggest challenge is certainly to first create the basic shape of the park. Due to its orientation, we have sun almost all day long. This means that the basic shape changes every summer and we first have to check where we stand in the fall. We are also 100% dependent on natural snow, as we don't make snow. Then you also have to remember that we are at over 3,000 meters, so transporting all the equipment is a logistical challenge. Especially as weather conditions are difficult to predict at this altitude.
The Prime Park Sessions in the Stubai Zoo are often used by the athletes to get the finishing touches. A kind of dress rehearsal for you to build the pro line for the competition?
Not quite, because we actually have to build both the Prime and the Pro Line at the same time in order to be able to coordinate both lines. This way we can ensure that one line is not affected by ongoing construction work.
How long will your work take to get the Stubai Zoo Snowpark ready for the winter and for the World Cup?
The exact duration for the construction of the Proline is difficult to generalize, roughly speaking we work for about five days on the shape of the basic cubature and then another five to eight days on the construction of the Proline. Finally, we modify it again in about three to four days to get the final setup for the event.
And finally, a question for both of you: What is your personal highlight of the Freeski World Cup on the Stubai Glacier?
Erich: There are actually very, very many and there is no specific ranking. However, the team dynamic during the event week and the feeling of mastering this project and its challenges together is an overriding highlight. I'm really looking forward to it again!
Mike: For me personally, it's the moment when the event is over, because that's when the tension drops and you can realize that you've made the best of the given conditions and - hopefully - satisfied everyone involved.
Thank you very much for the interview!
All information about the FIS Freeski World Cup from November 20 to 23, 2024 at the Snowpark Stubai Zoo can be found here. And for all those who can't be there: The final will be broadcast on ORF 1 and other international TV channels.
You can find more events on the Stubai Glacier in the event calendar.
