AUDI FIS Ski World Cup Val Gardena – Saslong Classic (ceremony in Ortisei)
The Alpine Ski World Cup on the legendary Saslong slope, with the bib draw ceremony in Ortisei
About Saslong Classic
The Alpine Ski World Cup returns to Val Gardena
The AUDI FIS Ski World Cup Val Gardena, also known as the Saslong Classic, is one of the most anticipated stages on the men's Alpine Ski World Cup circuit. Each year, in the week before Christmas, the world's best downhillers and Super-G specialists compete on the legendary Saslong slope, which runs above Selva di Val Gardena and finishes in Santa Cristina, in the heart of the South Tyrolean Dolomites.
The course, specifically designed in 1969, measures approximately 3,400 meters with an average gradient of 25.5% and is famous for its technical and spectacular sections: the steep start, the iconic "Camel Humps" (Kamelbuckel) where athletes take jumps of up to 60-70 meters, the undulating Ciaslat section, and the high-speed final jump. Speeds on the Saslong frequently exceed 120 km/h.
Ortisei, the heart of the ceremonies
While the races take place on the Saslong slope, the town of Ortisei/St. Ulrich serves as the stage for the official ceremonies. Piazza Sant'Antonio hosts the public bib draw and the award ceremonies, enlivened by music, DJ sets, and live entertainment, offering fans the chance to see the Italian national team athletes and international champions up close. It is the moment when the entire valley rallies around the sport in a festive atmosphere that brings together residents and visitors alike.
A signature event of South Tyrol
The Saslong Classic is much more than just a race: it is a sporting tradition that has linked Val Gardena to the history of the World Cup since 1969. The downhill race has been held continuously since 1972, joined by the Super-G in 2002. The event attracts tens of thousands of fans and stands as one of the crown jewels of winter sports in Trentino-Alto Adige, perfectly blending the adrenaline of speed with the breathtaking beauty of the Dolomite landscape.
- Where: races on the Saslong slope (Selva/Santa Cristina), ceremonies in Piazza Sant'Antonio in Ortisei
- Disciplines: Men's World Cup Super-G and downhill
- When: December, in the week before Christmas
- Organization: Saslong Classic Club - Gardena/Gröden
Saslong Classic — edition 2026
Program of the 59th Saslong Classic 2026
The men's Alpine Ski World Cup stops in Val Gardena on the weekend of December 18-19, 2026, with official ceremonies hosted in Ortisei.
- December 15-17: Downhill training on the Saslong slope (11:45 AM)
- Friday, December 18: Men's Super-G, start at 11:45 AM; flower ceremony at the Saslong stadium; award ceremony and public bib draw for the downhill in Piazza Sant'Antonio in Ortisei in the afternoon
- Saturday, December 19: Men's downhill, start at 11:45 AM; official award ceremony at the Saslong stadium
In case of races postponed from other locations, the Saslong is ready to serve as a recovery venue in the preceding days. The setting of Piazza Sant'Antonio in Ortisei offers music, entertainment, and the chance to meet the athletes.
Programme Saslong Classic 2026
Highlights Saslong Classic 2026
Prices Saslong Classic 2026
Practical information — Saslong Classic
Getting there
By car: take the A22 Brenner motorway exit at Chiusa/Klausen or Bolzano Nord, then follow the SS242 to Val Gardena. By train: Chiusa or Bolzano station, with bus connections to Ortisei and the valley. Nearest airports: Bolzano, Innsbruck, and Verona.
Tickets
Tickets for the grandstands on the Saslong slope (Camel Humps zone, finish area/stadium) are available online via the official website saslong.org starting in August. A valid ski pass is required to access the ski lifts. Ceremonies in Piazza Sant'Antonio in Ortisei are generally free to attend.
Tips
Book your accommodation well in advance: the World Cup week, just before Christmas, is one of the busiest times of the season in Val Gardena.
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Where does it take place — Saslong Classic
Piazza Sant'Antonio (cerimonia) — Pista Saslong (gare)
Piazza Sant'Antonio, 39046 Ortisei/St. Ulrich