Val Gardena Alpine Ski World Championships 2031

After 61 years, the World Ski Championships return to Val Gardena

Val Gardena will host the Alpine Ski World Championships in 2031, marking its second edition after 1970. The decision was made on June 4, 2024, during the 55th FIS Congress in Reykjavik, where the International Ski and Snowboard Federation unexpectedly awarded the event for 2031, in addition to the one already planned for 2029 in Narvik, Norway.

This recognition highlights the professionalism and passion for sport that characterize Val Gardena. The event represents an important opportunity to celebrate innovation, local culture, and the ski tradition of the region, located in the heart of the Dolomites, among the communities of Selva, Santa Cristina, and Ortisei, at the foot of the Sassolungo.

Val Gardena is also home to numerous successful athletes, such as Isolde Kostner and Alex Vinatzer, who will continue to represent the region on the international stage. In 2031, local young athletes will have the chance to experience a World Championship in their homeland, an event that celebrates innovation, passion, and tradition.

The bid dossier for Val Gardena emphasizes that existing slopes will be used, eliminating the need for new constructions. The downhill and super-G competitions will take place on the renowned Saslong slope in Selva, famous for its quality and already hosting the World Cup. This approach aims to enhance existing infrastructure while ensuring an excellent experience for athletes and spectators.

The Saslong slope, completed in 1970 for that year's World Championships, features nearly twenty jumps, both large and small. The famous Camel Humps represent one of the most challenging sections of the World Cup, continuing to be a benchmark for speed athletes.

For over fifty years, the world’s best skiers have gathered on the Saslong slope every December, making the downhill and super-G races iconic events of the White Circus. For technical disciplines, such as slalom and giant slalom, the world champions will be crowned on the Ciampinoi 3 slope, providing another opportunity to showcase athletes’ talent in these specialties.

The slopes in the Piz Sella/Plan de Gralba area, Dantercepies, the Cir and Ria slopes, and the Alpha slope on Mont Sëura will be used as training runs. Additionally, the 4th slope at Ciampinoi will be renovated and will soon be available to young athletes as an additional training and competition slope for future FIS races. The slopes on Monte Pana will also be considered as potential tracks for ski tests.

Environmentally aware partners

The lift systems have been upgraded with cutting-edge technologies and collaborate with leading companies in the skiing and snowmaking industries

For example, it is now possible to produce the same amount of snow using less water and energy. The organizers of the World Cup intend to work closely with other South Tyrolean companies that are leaders in key sectors to plan a future World Championship that emphasizes innovation and sustainability.

In summary, we are together designing the future!