Gurgl opens winter season with Ski World Cup event
Last updated on 13.11.2025
On 22 and 23 November 2025, the international slalom elite will compete on the challenging Kirchenkar slope for the third time in Gurgl. The International Ski Federation (FIS) gave the green light for the race course today. Tickets for this major sports event are available online, at Raiffeisen banks, Ö-Ticket advance sales offices or directly on site. Season ticket holders can watch the races free of charge right from the ski slope. With a valid admission ticket, visitors can travel free of charge in an environmentally friendly way using public transport lines from Ötztal-Bahnhof.
Last year, around 17,000 spectators watched the two opening slalom races in Gurgl. This year’s event also promises excellent conditions for both the athletes and all fans. Featuring an average gradient of 38.3%, the steep slope guarantees exciting fights and competitions. For Gurgl testimonial Dave Ryding, this will be his last World Cup race at his preferred training destination: he is ending his successful career after this season.
In addition to the Austrian racers, international ski teams from Germany, Sweden, Croatia, Albania as well as Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, who competes for Brazil, have also been using the slopes in the uppermost part of Ötztal for training sessions since last week. Following the official snow inspection, the FIS gave the go-ahead for the two slalom races today. “We are delighted to host the Ski World Cup in Gurgl for the third time. As you can already see, the conditions are excellent – not only on the World Cup slope but throughout the ski area. Therefore nothing stands in the way of a superb season opening on 20 November 2025,” explains Alban Scheiber, Chairman of the Organizing Committee.
Top-class program
Gurgl will kick off the World Cup weekend with an energetic warm-up on Friday, 21 Nov: DJ Davethevoice will get the party started at 17:00 in front of Gurgl Carat. The men’s bib number draw follows at 18:30. Afterwards, The Good Company provides live music while the exclusive Diamond Lounge hosts the evening’s VIP event. Later, DJ Mr. Harvey Miller will spin tunes at Gurgl Carat’s foyer, bringing international club vibes to the high alpine mountains.
On Saturday at 10:30, the first run of the men’s slalom starts, followed by the final run at 13:30. The winners will then be crowned in the finish area of Kirchenkar race slope. The evening continues in the valley with a great Ski World Cup Clubbing featuring DJ Davethevoice, the women’s bib number drawing and live music performed by Moreland. To close the evening, DJ Chaz Washington & Saintro P will transform Gurgl Carat’s foyer into a huge dance floor.
On Sunday, 23 Nov, the ladies will take center stage. Following the same schedule as the men, the female athletes will compete in their first slalom race.
- Sat, 22 Nov 2025 – Men’s Slalom: 10:30 / 13:30
- Sun, 23 Nov 2025 – Women’s Slalom: 10:30 / 13:30
- Side events from Friday to Sunday: music and celebrations at Gurgl Carat
Tickets for skiers and pedestrians
Holders of regional network tickets like Freizeit Ticket, Regio Card or Snow Card as well as multi-day skipasses (three days or more), season passes and annual passes can easily reach the race slope on skis or snowboard and watch the races along the piste. Access to the standing zone in the finish area is only possible with an event ticket. Pedestrians need a valid Ski World Cup ticket. Day tickets, VIP tickets and Premium Tickets are available online.
As a partner event of Green Events Austria, the entire race weekend is designed to be as sustainable as possible in terms of catering, travel and recycling. Public transportation for fans to and from the event site has been expanded and is free of charge with a valid ticket.
