Winter has arrived in the Alps in recent days. And with it, the 58th edition of the Audi FIS Ski World Cup in Gröden/Val Gardena is fast approaching. Exactly 50 days remain until the speed elite returns to one of the most traditional slopes in the entire ski circuit. Ticket sales have been going strong for weeks, and preparations are also well underway in the 1970 and 2031 World Championship venue.

The two World Cup races on the Saslong captivate thousands every year, whether on site at the Ruacia finish stadium or at home in front of the TV screens. Demand for tickets is also huge for the 58th edition of the Saslong Classic – as the World Cup races in South Tyrol's skiing mecca are known. "Online ticket sales have picked up significantly in recent weeks. Compared to last year, we can report growth of 20 percent at this point in time. We are also doing very well in the hospitality sector at the moment. We are delighted that our races are continuing to grow in popularity. This is a welcome development, also with a view to the 2031 World Ski Championships in Gröden/Val Gardena," reports Marcello Cobelli, who is responsible for ticketing and accreditations at the Audi FIS Ski World Cup Gröden/Val Gardena.

There have also been some developments on the course. Not in terms of snow, of course, although the first layer of snow has already fallen from. However, the safety nets have been installed in recent weeks, as Horst Demetz, slope manager of the Ski World Cup in Gröden/Val Gardena, reports. "Safety has always been a top priority in Gröden/Val Gardena. Unfortunately, there is always a residual risk in this high-speed sport. Nevertheless, the installation of the safety nets went according to plan, which is why I would like to express my huge thanks to the entire team for their tireless efforts. Now we are waiting for cold temperatures so that the Saslong Spa lift company can start producing artificial snow. And maybe Mother Nature will give us a little help in this regard."

The program for the 58th Saslong Classic
In exactly 50 days, the World Cup victory and points will be up for grabs on the Saslong. On Friday, 19 December, the Gröden/Val Gardena race weekend will kick off with the super-G. The next day, the downhill race will be the big highlight and the first classic of the Olympic winter. As usual, training sessions will take place in the run-up to the event. The first practice run is scheduled for Tuesday, 16 December. Further training sessions are planned for Wednesday, 17 December, and Thursday, 18 December, with Thursday also set as a replacement date for a possible make-up race. If a speed decision is canceled in North America, Gröden/Val Gardena will step in as a replacement venue.

Tickets are available on the official website of the Audi FIS Ski World Cup Saslong Classic.