The stage is set for the slalom races in Gurgl
Last updated on 12.11.2026 | Ötztal
Excellent conditions on the Kirchenkar slope: following an official snow inspection, the green light has been given for the AUDI FIS Alpine Ski World Cup races in Hochgurgl. From 20 to 22 November 2026, the international slalom elite will gather in the uppermost part of Ötztal. Preparations on-site are well underway while fans can now secure their tickets at gurgl.com for this action-packed weekend full of sporting highlights.
During a course inspection, the organizers confirmed that the challenging race track in Hochgurgl is in excellent condition. This is the result of tireless efforts of a well-coordinated organizing team led by project manager Alban Scheiber, race director Johannes Brunner and course director Armin Achhorner – supported by some 800 volunteers who create the perfect setting for both athletes and spectators. “We are very pleased to have succeeded in getting the Kirchenkar slope ready for racing well in advance this year. This ensures that the races will run smoothly by creating also perfect conditions for a top-class World Cup weekend. These outstanding conditions not only build anticipation for the slalom races but also for the upcoming season start here in our ski resort on 19 November,” explains Alban Scheiber.
World’s elite already in training mode
Since the beginning of November, Ski Austria teams and several other internationally renowned athletes have been taking advantage of the perfect training conditions in Gurgl in order to do their final preparations. On the men’s side, local favorite Fabio Gstrein from Sölden leads Austria’s ÖSV slalom team, joined by Manuel Feller, Michael Matt, Dominik Raschner, Marco Strolz, Joshua Sturm, Kilian Rueland and Adrian Pertl. Among the women, athletes including Katharina Truppe, Katharina Huber, Lisa Hörhager, Natalie Falch, Victoria Rings-Wanner and Leonie Raich are gearing up to compete for crucial World Cup slalom points during this World Championship season. In addition to the two Sölden winners Paula Moltzan (USA) and Lucas Pinheiro Braathen (BRA) also Marcel Hirscher (NED) is already fine-tuning his form on the slopes of Ötztal. Also present are local star Franziska Gritsch and Emma Aicher (GER), who finished third in the giant slalom in Sölden last month.
DJ beats, fan highlights & clubbing
Beyond the action on the slopes, Gurgl also offers an exciting event weekend with free admission to evening festivities in the village center:
Friday, 20 November: Kick-off begins with DJ Malu in the forecourt of Gurgl Carat at 17:00, followed by the official bib draw for the women’s race (18:30). From 19:00, the World Cup Night includes indoor clubbing, a performance by Everso and spectacular mirror-dance acts.
Saturday, 21 November (Women’s Slalom): The first run begins on Kirchenkar slope at 10:30, with the decisive second run starting at 13:30. During race breaks and following the awards ceremony, the terrace of Top Mountain Crosspoint will host Race & Vibes. From 17:00, the action moves back down to the village and the forecourt of Gurgl Carat (where the men’s bib draw takes place at 18:30) presenting the Night of Gurgl (clubbing starts at 19:00).
Sunday, 22 November (Men’s Slalom): The men’s first run begins at 10:30, followed by the final run at 13:30 – where World Cup points are at stake. The awards ceremony will take place in the finish area immediately afterward.
Tickets include sustainable travel
Tickets for the World Cup weekend are available online in advance at gurgl.com. A special benefit for all visitors: all skipasses and World Cup tickets serve as valid travel passes on all public buses and event shuttles throughout Ötztal valley (between Ötztal-Bahnhof to Gurgl) on the respective day of the event.
More detailed information: www.gurgl.com
