"The Saslong is like coming home for me," says four-time Saslong downhill winner, Franz Klammer. He was one of the former athletes who told of his experiences on the Saslong as part of the anniversary show. Pirmin Zurbriggen, Ulli Spieß, Herbert Plank, Franz Klammer and Gustav Thöni also talked about what the Saslong means for them on a stage which was set up specifically for this event in the finish area. Ulli Spieß for example, pointed out that his race on the Saslong in 1980 was the one that set off his career as an active athlete: after all, he was the first racer ever to jump over the camel humps.

The anniversary interviews, conducted by presenter Ivana Vaccari and broadcast on "Rai Sport TV", were framed by pantomimes, dance groups, wizards, acrobats, singers and ski instructors, who torpedoed over the Saslong finish schuss, torches in hand. Around a thousand visitors rejoiced with the organizers in this milestone birthday of the World Cup races in Val Gardena/Gröden. The anniversary celebration in the finish area ended with spectacular fireworks. One thing is clear, the engagement and commitment with which which the World Cup organization of Val Gardena/Gröden celebrated its history will be remembered and is leaving no doubt that the same level of motivation and passion will continue in the future.