For most skiers and snowboarders, fun on the slopes comes first, while athletic performance is secondary. But of course, competing with other amateurs also has a certain appeal for amateur athletes. In many renowned winter sports resorts in the Alps, it is possible to take part in so-called Volksskirennen, meaning roughly “ski racing for the people”. Here, amateurs and beginners can get a taste of competition. One thing is certain: fun is the most important thing at these races, following the motto “It’s all about being there”. SnowTrex presents the best-known amateur ski races for everyone in Germany, Austria, Italy and Switzerland. Got your skis strapped and your goggles on? All right, then let’s get started: 3 – 2 – 1 – GO!
The White Ring (Lech am Arlberg, Austria)
The White Ring is a Volksskirennen of extraordinary proportions. It is the longest ski race in the world and is also considered one of the most challenging. Skiers cover a total of 5,500 m elevation change over a distance of 22 kilometres. While there are six lift rides providing brief moments to catch their breath, participants should still be in excellent physical shape and have good stamina. The course connects the towns of Lech, Zürs, Zug, and Oberlech and has been around for over 60 years. While the course was once conquered with traditional wooden skis, today’s racers use modern equipment. However, the fun and challenge have remained unchanged over the years. Winter sports enthusiasts who participate in the race and whose utmost priority is just being there can look forward to two viewing platforms where they can pause and enjoy the picturesque views. Of course, the White Ring can also be skied outside of the context of the race, and visitors to the region are encouraged to explore this legendary route during their ski holiday.
Allalin Race (Saas-Fee, Switzerland)
The Allalin Race is an event with a long tradition, which has now been held almost 40 times in Saas-Fee, Switzerland. In 1946, 12 brave skiers started the legendary downhill run for the first time, but only five reached the finish. Nowadays, of course, the slope is well prepared for the race, so participants need not fear. Nevertheless, the pistes should not be underestimated, as they will definitely challenge both professionals and amateurs. The start is at the foot of the Allalin Horn at an altitude of no less than 3,500 metres. The finish of the glacier descent is in Saas-Fee. The 1,800 metres in altitude are covered over a total distance of 8.5 km. Steep slopes alternate with short gliding passages and demand absolute control over the ski or board. The bravest racers sometimes reach speeds of more than 140 km/h. These speeds are certainly not a benchmark for less experienced skiers. Those who prefer a more leisurely pace may not come in first, but they will have the opportunity to fully enjoy the breathtaking mountain panorama. Additionally, in this Volksskirennen, the motto remains: “It’s all about being there ,” and the most important thing is that the fun is never in short supply.
Rope Race (Hochfügen, Austria)
High above the Zillertal in Hochfügen, winter has been traditionally and familiarly sent off for over 50 years. The Hochfügen rope race enjoys legendary status and is a competition of a very special kind, where the concept of “team spirit” plays a crucial role. Professionals, up-and-coming athletes, and ambitious amateur skiers all start together and race down the course as a team. The unique feature of this event is that the three skiers in each team are connected by a rope. While professionals compete in traditional racing suits, you can also see teams dressed in dirndls, hunting outfits, or other costumes showcasing their skills. Since 2019, the rope race has been held on the Lamark slope in Hochfügen, providing spectators with excellent views of the participants. Additionally, ski-cross elements will now be part of the course, adding spectacular and often amusing jumps. Young athletes in the children’s and youth categories can also register to compete and vie for the trophy in their age group. The season-ending event is complemented by a varied programme off the slopes, including parties, concerts, the traditional winter bonfire, and the Alpine market.
Witch’s Descent (Belalp-Blatten, Switzerland)
The Witch’s Descent (Ger: Hexenabfahrt) is probably the most bizarre Volksskirennen in Switzerland. A long time ago, a witch is said to have wreaked havoc on the Belalp. To commemorate her victims, the Hexenabfahrt has been conquered by amateurs and professionals for more than 30 years. Some racers dress up as witches and race, almost fly, down the valley. The course is sometimes quite steep, so that the fastest participants can reach speeds of over 110 km/h. The start is at an altitude of 3,100 metres, the finish at 1,300 metres. On the 12 km long descent, the racers will be challenged in terms of their physical condition, but since fun is definitely in the foreground at this event, the witches can also take their time with a clear conscience and indulge in Valais specialities and Valais wine at the culinary stations along the route. As the number of participants is limited to 1,000, it is advisable to register early. The advantage is that there will definitely be enough time to create a scary yet beautiful costume.
Pitztal WildFace (Pitztal, Austria)
The Pitztal WildFace is not a race of the classic kind. The riders ski the downhill run individually and push themselves to the limit in order to achieve the best possible time. However, the race does not take place on perfectly groomed slopes downhill, but through the rough terrain on the Mittagskogel, off the slopes of the Rifflsee ski area. The event has been taking place since 2014 as part of the Freeride World Tour and is a Freeride World Qualifier event. This means that participants can collect points through their times, which, in the best case, they can use to secure a spot in the main competition of the Freeride World Tour. “Anyone who can negotiate the mountain on skis or a snowboard is eligible to take part,” are the conditions of participation. Participants should be aware, however, that a ski race in the backcountry is fundamentally different from one on the slopes. For one thing, the pristine slopes of the Pitztal require a lot of experience and good technique. On the other hand, you need a really good physical condition and plenty of muscle in your legs. Winter sports enthusiasts who have already been off-piste know how quickly this makes their thighs start to burn. But those who dare to conquer the adrenaline downhill will certainly remember the fabulous descent for the rest of their lives.
White Rush (Arlberg, Austria)
Every year at the end of the season, 500 skiers and snowboarders gather in St. Anton am Arlberg to simultaneously plunge into the valley from the highest point of the Arlberg ski area after the starting gun. From the Valluga down to St. Anton, the best skiers need less than eight minutes, most don’t make it under ten. And the fun riders take half an hour to complete the 9-kilometre course (1,350 metres in altitude). This top event also attracts a roaring party for the spectators.
Inferno Race (Mürren, Switzerland)
The Inferno Race, first held in 1928 by “ski-mad” Englishmen, is now considered one of the biggest and most difficult amateur races in world skiing. The number of participants is limited to 1,800 and every year at least as many people who want to start have to be turned away. The varied, special topography is what makes this 15.8-km long course in Mürren so appealing. Good skiers need about 45 minutes for the descent, the race winners less than 15 minutes.
Gardenissima (Val Gardena, Italy)
The Gardenissima in the Seceda ski area on the sunny side of Val Gardena is the longest giant slalom in the world. Good physical condition is required for the six-kilometre course. The skiing time is at least 3’40” to just over four minutes. There are 88 gates on the course, which cover an elevation change of 1,000 metres. Among the participants are always quite a few stars of the Alpine Ski World Cup. The number of participants is limited to 600.
Epic Ski Tour (Trentino, Italy)
Since 2017, the three-part ski touring race “Epic Skitour” has been held in the Italian Val di Fiemme and Val di Fassa. All ski tourers, from amateurs to professionals, meet in the heart of the dreamlike Dolomite peaks. Anyone who is of age and can present a sports doctor’s certificate of fitness may register online. There are 3 stages to victory. It starts with a small night race on the Alpe Cermis above Cavalese. Here, the race course leads half on the slope and then up through open terrain. Here, a difference in altitude of 750 m has to be overcome. On the second day, the climb up San Pellegrino near Moena is on the agenda. The famous pass in the Val di Fassa reaches an altitude of 1,919 metres. The distance to be covered has a difference in altitude of 795 m. The last stage on the third day starts and ends at the Pordoijoch, the second highest asphalted mountain pass in the Dolomites, with a pass height of 2,239 m. The runners can expect to reach the Pordoi Pass immediately after the finish. A steep climb awaits the runners here right after the start and an altitude difference of 980 m over the entire course. A truly strenuous finale that will be rewarded with fame and glory. However, the following applies: Only those who complete all three individual stages in the specified target time will be included in the final classification. The winners of the different classifications will be rewarded with substantial prize money.
Fancy a go? Then get to the starting line and go for it!
