Sustainability is a holistic concept that is fully embraced by the organizers of the Val Gardena/Gröden Race Week – not only ecologically, but also socially. The Saslong Classic Club focuses on innovative solutions that promote the responsible use of resources, raise awareness of alternative energies and strengthen social responsibility. These topics are becoming particularly important in view of the 2031 Alpine Ski World Championships.

During the Gardena/Groeden Race Week, several projects will be implemented in collaboration with various partners, with which the World Cup organizers are drawing attention to the topic of sustainability. More than ever, the Saslong Classic Club is committed to raising awareness of the responsible use of resources and, where possible, to setting an example. In the coming years, more and more projects of this kind are to be implemented in order to gradually involve all areas within the organization.

The following examples show that environmental awareness and innovation can go hand in hand at sporting events:

Fossil-free diesel alternative
The company Kostner Service Stations supplies “HVO eco diesel”, a fossil-free alternative to conventional diesel. The diesel will be used for the generators, the snow groomers and the Saslounge exclusive area at the finish. HVO eco diesel is biodegradable, does not release new carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and reduces CO2 emissions by up to 90 percent compared to conventional diesel.

Environmentally friendly transportation
In collaboration with Leitner Energy, five charging stations for electric vehicles will be provided in the finish area, enabling spectators to charge their vehicles in an environmentally friendly way. A Leitner Energy employee will be on hand to provide information and assistance.

Recycling initiatives
Together with the company Tessitura Gelmi, which is responsible for the production of the banners along the race course in Val Gardena/Gröden, among other things, the Saslong Classic Club is committed to recycling: old plastic banners are recycled and now serve as the material basis for the floor covering when asphalting roads. A total of 106 meters of banners made of various materials such as TNT, PVC and polyester have been meaningfully reused.

Involving schoolchildren
The Gardena/Gröden World Cup organizers are once again actively involving school classes from the region in the action this year. While students from the St. Christina primary school festively decorated Christmas trees with homemade Christmas decorations, high school students from the Gutenberg vocational school were able to attend the second downhill training session live and apply their photographic skills in real time. Another cooperation involves the sports high school Follador-De Rossi from Falcade (Province of Belluno): 13 students developed a survey together with the marketing department of the Saslong Classic Club, with which they will collect opinions about the event from spectators during the race week.

Donation of food
For three years now, the Saslong Classic Club has been donating the packaged food that is not used during the race week to the San Durich retirement home in Ortisei.