From the start in Sölden to the far north to Levi, then back to the Tyrolean Ötztal to Gurgl: the ski aces covered 5,000 kilometers as the crow flies for the first three World Cup stops, even before the entourage moved to the USA. Apart from the fact that skiing in particular is directly affected by the consequences of global warming, the strains of travel take a toll on athletes. As in the case of Manuel Feller, it is not very edifying to fly to the USA for just one race, the giant slalom in Beaver Creek (December 8th), especially since the Tyrolean’s form is at stake in all three races of the season failed, is not in good order. “A lot of effort for just one race,” says Feller, who is “unfortunately leaving for America” after a huge slalom training session at home. After all: “It’s a slope that suits me.” After two slalom threaders recently, the giant slalom could possibly be just the right change, the 32-year-old continued. As expected, the technology specialist will not be racing downhill and Super-G. Just like in previous winters, speed riders overseas are experiencing the start of their season.
Mikaela Shiffrin has four races on the program over the next two weekends in Killington (USA) and Mont-Tremblant (Can), but the series winner is still not happy with the calendar planning. “My honest opinion is: It’s challenging to be in Sölden, then in Levi, then back in Gurgl and then in Killington. It’s really hard on the body and the mind,” says the 29-year-old.
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The fact that Gurgl and Sölden – both World Cup locations are part of the municipality of Sölden – are planning a joint double weekend has met with widespread approval. The most successful athlete in history, with 99 World Cup victories, can also benefit from the idea. “It would be ideal,” says Shiffrin, knowing that if the Gurgl races had been scheduled earlier they would have been extremely shaky due to the snow situation. “The season should start later and possibly end later. I know it’s easier said than done. But maybe there are some ways to structure it so that we can keep the racing but also make the travel more physically and environmentally sensible.” , Shiffrin positions himself.
What are the potential long-term benefits for Alpine skiers纷纷 from competing in races held in diverse locations?
## A Challenging Season for Alpine Skiers
**Interviewer:** Joining us today is [Guest Name], an expert on the Alpine Skiing world. Thanks for being here.
**Guest:** It’s my pleasure.
**Interviewer:** The start of the Alpine Skiing World Cup season has been full of travel, taking skiers from Sölden to Levi and back to Gurgl before heading to the U.S. How is this impacting athletes?
**Guest:** The long distances between races are certainly putting a strain on skiers. They’ve already clocked 5,000 kilometers in just a few weeks, flying across continents for individual races. This travel takes a toll on their bodies and can disrupt their training schedules. [[1](https://www.snow-online.com/skimag/alpine-ski-world-cup-teams-and-athletes.htm)]
**Interviewer:** Can you give us an example of how this affects individual racers?
**Guest:** Absolutely. Look at Manuel Feller, for example. He’s traveling to the USA for just one giant slalom race in Beaver Creek. His form hasn’t been great this season, and you can understand his frustration at having to fly across the Atlantic for a single race. [[1](https://www.snow-online.com/skimag/alpine-ski-world-cup-teams-and-athletes.htm)]It’s a big commitment for possibly little reward.
**Interviewer:** Are there any benefits to traveling so extensively for these races?
**Guest:** Well, there’s the exposure to different snow conditions and terrains, which can be beneficial for skiers in the long run.
**Interviewer:** Despite the challenges, are skiers still excited for the season ahead?
**Guest:** Absolutely! They are passionate about their sport, and traveling is part of the package. While they may complain about the long flights, they also relish the opportunity to compete against the best skiers in the world on diverse slopes.