25 Years of HANNIBAL – The Glacier Spectacle
Last updated on 04.03.2026
A complete alpine art work combining myth, man and machine
10 April 2026 | 19:30 | Sölden | Tirol | Rettenbach Glacier
Sölden – Twenty-five years ago, an artistic endeavor began on scenic Rettenbach Glacier high above Sölden, which today is considered a globally unique art work from all aspects. The Glacier Spectacle HANNIBAL will celebrate its 25th anniversary on Friday, 10 April 2026, at 19:30 – taking place in its original location at an altitude of 3,000 meters right in between the ski stadium and the high alpine glacier slopes.
Since the premiere in April 2001, HANNIBAL has been performed 16 times, evolving into a modern folk theater of Ötztal Valley. The meticulously detailed storyboard, narrated by the unmistakable voice of Harald Krassnitzer, has remained unchanged over the decades. What has changed are the relationships between generations of drivers, performers, pilots, ski legends and technicians, which have developed into a very close friendship.
Some young “Hannibal” actors like Fabio Gstrein are now Olympic medalists, while many older mountain guides have sadly passed away. Unaffected by all this, nature continues to change persistently. It plays a part in the performative concept, just like the weather and world events.
Myth, history and spectacular images
The “play” in the literal sense is based on a contemporary text, drawing on historical sources and Virgil’s “Dido and Aeneas” to depict the Punic Wars. The narrative shifts from the myth of Rome’s founding with the help of the Carthaginian queen Dido to the logos of Roman historiography: as is well known, nothing remained of Carthage. Based on Hannibal’s life story, the performance traces the Carthaginian perspective by offering a surprising insight: hesitation can become the decisive act.
Snow groomers become elephants, Aeneas is rescued by parachute from a mythological “air battle” over Troy, the Austrian Armed Forces’ helicopter – an Agusta Bell 212 – jumps to the aid of both struggling gods and humans. Skiers and mountain guides test their skills in snowball fights, snowmobiles and motocross bikes on steep slopes reveal themselves as scouts, dancers as senators of Carthage and Rome and the Lawine Torrèn ensemble takes on the roles of Venus, Scipio, Hannibal, Aeneas, Dido and the anchorwoman of the fictional Carthage TV station.
The Lawine Torrèn network appears here in an international constellation. Renowned artists and athletes from Europe and the USA are working together with local people from Ötztal, experienced snow designers, in order to make this complete art work of man, machine and nature possible. A globally exemplary collaboration between art and tourism.
Book publication to mark the 25th anniversary
To mark the anniversary, a comprehensive illustrated book about 25 years of HANNIBAL was published at the end of February 2026.
“As we leaf through 25 years of Hannibal, one thing immediately stands out: this book is like walking through an exhibition of work by some of the most renowned theater and sports photographers. We analyze the true story of the Carthaginian hero on the one hand and 25 years of performances on the other. We recount our research around the Mediterranean, both in front of and behind the main alpine ridge – from Tunis to Munich. Many people have experienced a great deal within this project over the past quarter-century. This volume contains some remarkable anecdotes,” assures Ernst Lorenzi, initiator of the project and editor of the book.
ISBN: 978-3-9501743-0-4
Pages: 200 (in German)
Format: 250 x 270 mm
Price: Euro 45
Experience Hannibal in a snow groomer
In the Glacier Spectacle HANNIBAL, snow groomers symbolize the legendary elephants with which the Carthaginian general crossed the Alps. Visitors now have the unique opportunity to take a ride in one of these vehicles and thus become part of the spectacular live performance themselves.
This exclusive experience is strictly limited to 10 places.
Price: € 350 per person
Booking: HERE
Natural scenery at 3,000 meters
Fabulous Rettenbach Glacier, used as a ski area high above Sölden, forms the approximately six cubic kilometers of natural scenery. Audiences watch the spectacle from the level area in front of the mountain gondola station at 2,668 meters above sea level with a view of Schwarze Schneide (3,257 m) summit.
The most relaxed way to get there is by train, bus and shuttle bus from Sölden up to Rettenbach Glacier – the transfer is included in all ticket categories.
Save the date
25 Years of HANNIBAL – The Glacier Spectacle
Friday, 10 April 2026
Starting at: 19:30
Production: Hubert Lepka | Lawine Torrèn
Co-produced with RED BULL and SÖLDEN
More information: https://www.soelden.com/en/events-leisure-tips/events/hannibal
Pictures: HERE
