Ski-mountaineering and Snowshoes

Today, the seasonal rules that once decreed that ski-mountaineering and snowshoe outings were activities exclusively relegated to the spring are a thing of the past.
Now, an increasingly large number of trails can be glimpsed as soon as the first sprinkling of snow makes its appearance on "our" mountains. These mark a search for silent, uncontaminated spots, where visitors can savour the purity of the Alps.
The itineraries described in this section have been selected and prepared by Franco Gionco, who is a great expert as well as a great lover of the mountains. He boasts an array of collaborations with specialist magazines and has prepared reports on ski-mountaineering, travel, and adventure all around the world, in every season of the year.

He has worked in the sector for more than ten years, promoting sport and respect for nature. For his efforts, Gionco has been bestowed the highly prestigious and internationally renowned Fair Play Mecenate "Lo sport oltre lo sport" award.

The itineraries contained here are described in a very essential manner to discourage dangerous improvisations.
All those who require further information on the descriptions of the itinerary are invited address these to a companion with proven skills as well as to the Alpine Guides present in all of Trentino's most important locations.

Source: Ski-mountaineering and Snowshoes  www.visittrentino.it

Fall-Line Skiing in Dolomites

Fall-Line’s Top Runs

Saslong in Val Gardena – classic downhill slope, very steep and a regular feature in the World Cup downhill racing calendar. A great opportunity to see what the pros expose themselves to.

Gran Risa in Alta Badia –  is another black slope that is scarily steep. It is also another World Cup regular and has a difference in height of 448 metres over 1255 metres with a maximum gradient of 53%. it’s a breathtaking descent in the heart of the woods.

La Longia in Val Gardena – is a very long run from the top of Seceda, a peak reached by gondola from the town of ortisei. La Longia has a vertical drop of about 1230m and winds 9km along high ridges, down wide fields and through narrow ravines and past a frozen waterfall.

Trametsch in Val d'Isarco – is another testingly long black track with bends and sudden changes of slope to make for a varied, fun ski. It runs from the Plose to Bressanone.

The Hermegg black run in Kronplatz is over five kilometres along and a great way to get the legs and head working as there’s a drop of 1,300 metres in altitude along the way – one for the fitter types.

The Silvester black run in Kronplatz – with a similar length and drop in altitude to hermegg delivers a rollercoaster of fun for advanced skiers.

Sella ronda

Dolomites: useful info | Fall-Line Skiing

Magical Mountain Huts

The experience of reaching a mountain hutby snowmobile, on snowshoes or even on foot, surrounded by silence is unforgettable. Savour the striking atmospheres of an evening spent on the mountains, sitting in front of a fireplace and enjoying the flavours of Trentino's dishes, before perhaps taking a thrilling sled ride back down by torchlight.

Dinner in a Trentino mountain hut is a unique experience. A voyage of discovery among a myriad of flavours, giving guests a chance to taste dishes such as grilled polenta with cheese or mushrooms, strangolapreti, orzotto and game as well as traditional cold cuts, salamis and cheeses, and taste the much cherished deserts and grappas that traditionally bring a mountain meal to a close.

In winter, dinner is served in mountain huts throughout Trentino's skiing districts, with guests travelling up the slopes on snowmobiles or snow-cats - and in some cases even making their way back down on sleds or using snowshoes.

Evenings in Val di Fassa at the Baita Ciampié in Val San Nicolò - a branch valley of the Val di Fassa - and at the Rifugio Fuchiade in Passo San Pellegrino are truly extraordinary, as are those in Val di Fiemme, at the Baita Caserina on the Alpe di Pampeago, the Baita Ciamp de le Strie on the Alpe di Lusia or at the Capanna Cervino in Passo Rolle.

In Val di Sole, wonderful evenings can also be enjoyed at the Rifugio Orso Bruno, at the Rifugio Solander or at the Malga Panciana in Marilleva as well as at the Chalet degli Angeli  in Folgarida and the Rifugio Scoiattolo and Doss dei Gembri in Peio.

The Cascina Zeledria, Malga Ritorto, Malga Montagnoli and the restaurant Boch and the Stoppani Grosté in Madonna di Campiglio can be reached on snow-cats in the evenings.

In Paganella, visitors can spend the evening at Baita Pineta, Casina Bruniol and La Tana dell'Ermellino - which also provides horse-drawn sleighs for transport. The Stella d'Italia mountain hut is open in Folgaria, as well as the Rifugio Baita Tonda (Serrada) and the restaurant Malga Ortesino, while in Lavarone it's possibe to dine at the  restaurant refuge Tana Incantata on Mount Tablat.

Source: Magical Mountain Huts

Winter thrills

Winter is at its best in Trentino. White snows blanket the Dolomites and their landscapes, giving them a magical appearance and presenting visitors with the myriad of choices for entertainment: alpine and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, carving, ski-mountaineering, as well as skating, sled rides and all of the other activities that can be enjoyed on the snow and ice here. Some of the largest skiing districts in the world are found in the area, featuring 800 km of pistes with over 300 avant-garde, swift and comfortable ski-lifts as well as guaranteed skiing conditions thanks to the modern programmed snow systems employed in the area.

The latest technology is harnessed for the benefit of winter sports in the Dolomiti Superski and Skirama areas - the skipass system which allows you to ski in all of Trentino's valleys with just two passes. One-of-a-kind slopes, these veritable and challenging cult pistes provide real thrills with their detours, changes in slopes and awe-inspiring landscapes. Lastly, some ski areas are also more suited to beginners, with specialist ski instructors, snow games and many other outdoor activities for the whole family.

All of the ski areas in Trentino - from the Fassa, Fiemme and Primiero Dolomites to the Brenta Dolomites, the Paganella Plateau, Madonna di Campiglio, Val di Sole and Tonale - have become a point of reference as well as a choice destination among winter sports lovers, because of the top quality tourist accommodation available there as well as the warmth of the hospitality in Trentino. Choosing Trentino also means choosing safety. The Snow Friend project employs specialist operators and forest guards. The aim of the project is to provide prevention, raise awareness of the rules among skiers, and supply support during first aid operations on the pistes. In sum, Trentino has made every effort to maximise fun and ensure that your winter holiday becomes a truly unforgettable experience.

Source: VisitTrentino.it

Snowkidz - Campaign

What is the FIS Campaign 'Bring Children to the Snow'?

In November 2008, the FIS Council decided to initiate a campaign to 'Bring Children to the Snow'. The initial concept was presented to the FIS Congress 2008 in Cape Town (RSA) in May 2008.

Following approval by the FIS Council in November 2009, the campaign has been divided into two dimensions: an International Communication Campaign and a National Activity Campaign with different projects and programs depending on the country. Externally the campaign activities will be known through the 'FIS SnowKidz' brand.

CAMPAIGN VISION

'All children between the ages of four and fourteen should have the chance to experience the fascination of snow'.

Source: Snowkidz - Campaign

Madonna di Campiglio - Skiing Holidays | SKIRAMA

 

Madonna di Campiglio is the number one winter sport resort in the Italian Alps, from alpine skiing to snowboarding together with the scenery, the traditional high quality hospitality, the relaxing atmosphere and the quality of a vacation as you stroll through the town centre which has been completely pedestrianized, therefore free of any vehicles. And of course the carousel of slopes that are located within a natural environment that is beyond compare,  surrounded by the peaks of the Dolomites of Brenta and the Presanella mountain range.5

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Cross Country Skiing

History
Discipline's Origin

The history of cross-country skiing dates back about 5,000 years. Its roots were based in Norway, where it then spread to Scandinavia and Russia as skiing became a proven way to move from one place to another during the hard winters.

Cross-country is the original and in terms of participation the most popular of the nordic ski sports, which are so-named because of their growth in northern Europe (as opposed to alpine, which draws its name from the Alps).

In modern times, nordic skiing was popular long before its alpine successor, and Norway is generally considered to be the cradle of skiing competitions. The Huseby races were first held in 1879 and the famous Holmenkollen in 1892. The nordic combined event - combining jumping and cross-country skiing - was originally looked upon as the premier event in the sport and it wasn’t until 1900 that a separate cross-country race, at a distance of 30 kilometres, was run at the Holmenkollen.
Cross-Country Skiing Today

The most important series of competitions is concentrated in the FIS World Cup with 12 to 16 individual competitions and six to eight relays. Up to 90 female and 100 male athletes generally compete in these high-level competitions. Apart from the FIS World Cup, other important competitions include Continental Cups, FIS level, junior and National Championships as well as long-distance mass participation races including a FIS Marathon Cup.

For years, cross-country skiing meant only one technique: “diagonal stride" where both skis stay in prepared tracks. Skiers put “kick" and “glide" waxes on the bottom of each ski; the kick wax grips on uphill sections while glide wax helps propel the skier through downhill sections or over flat or rolling terrain.

During the 1982 FIS World Cup season - the first official FIS World Cup season - Bill Koch of the United States popularised the “skating" technique (or “freestyle" as opposed to the “classic" diagonal stride). The skating technique had been used previously by long-distance skiers, mostly in Scandinavia: one ski in the tracks, the other pushing off to gain speed. Eventually, skating, which is faster than classic technique, evolved to today’s style where skiers use a trackless course (except where tracks are installed to help skiers through tricky turns or transitional sections).
Competition

The FIS World Cup Series, FIS Nordic World Ski Championships and at the Olympic Winter Games, include twelve different cross-country skiing events. Ladies compete in the sprint, team sprint, 10km, 15km pursuit, 30km mass start, and 4x5km relay. Men compete in sprint, team sprint, 15km, 30km pursuit, 50km mass start and 4x10km relay. A variety of other distances are contested at Continental Cup, FIS, junior and national level.
Mass Start

Competitors start simultaneously, lined up in rows. The first competitor across the finish wins the race.
Interval Start

Competitors start in intervals of 30 or 15 seconds depending on the event. The athlete with the fastest individual time wins.
Relays

A team consists of four athletes, each of whom skis one leg of the race and then tags off to a team-mate. The relay has a mass start.
Sprint Events

The sprint begins with individual time trials on the sprint course with a 15 second interval start. The fastest 30 athletes move on to elimination heats. The top two finishers in each quarter-final advance to the semi-final rounds that are held as two heats of four athletes each. The final round consists of one heat of four athletes (two from each semi-final heat).
Team Sprint Events

The team sprint event consists of semi-final and final rounds. In the semi-final heats there are 10 or more teams consisting of two athletes (A and B) who pass the relay to each other three times (A, B, A, B, A, B). The best five teams qualify for the final.
Pursuit Events

The pursuit events have a mass start and the athletes use both techniques within the same race. During a pit stop at the stadium after half of the race distance has been completed, the athletes change equipment from the classical to free technique.
List of events

The following events feature on the programmes of the FIS World Cup, FIS Alpine World Ski Championships and the Olympic Winter Games. Other distances are held at Continental, FIS, junior and national levels:
Event Gender Technique* Start
10 km Ladies Classic Interval 30”
Pursuit7,5+7,5 km Ladies Classic/Free Mass start
Sprint Ladies Free Interval 15’’/Mass start
Team Sprint Ladies Classic Mass start
30 km Ladies Free Mass start
Relay 4x5 km Ladies Classic/Free Mass start
15 km Men Classic Interval 30”
Pursuit15+15 km Men Classic/Free Mass start
Sprint Men Free Interval 15‘’/Mass start
Team Sprint Men Classic Mass start
50 km Men Free Mass start
Relay 4x10 km Men Classic/Free Mass start

* the technique of the single technique events: Ladies sprint, team sprint, 10 km and 30km and Mens’ sprint, team sprint, 15 km and 50km alternate at each edition of the FIS World Ski Championships and Olympic Winter Games
Sport rules and procedures
Courses

For the different distances, FIS homologation rules require that the courses have a certain amount of uphills, thus implying challenging and demanding races.
Tracks

The tracks must be a minimum of four to nine metres wide. For the classical technique, the track must be prepared with one classical track (two parallel grooves) in the ideal line.
Techniques

In cross-country skiing, there are two techniques. In the classical technique, the skis are prepared with kick wax which creates friction when in contact with the snow and allows the athlete to ski in "diagonal or classical style" along pre-set parallel tracks. In free technique, the skis are prepared with only glide wax and forward motion is created by using the edges of the skis, also called skating. In both techniques, the competitors use ski poles to improve their forward propulsion.
Starting Order

In events with an interval start the starting order is randomly drawn within four groups of competitors. The placing of the seeded group or "red group" of the 30 best athletes is decided at the team captains’ meeting after reviewing the weather conditions. This is done to ensure fair and optimal conditions for the best athletes. The Jury can decide to introduce fifth group for some athletes.

In mass start events competitors start simultaneously lined up in rows according to previous results with the best ones starting in the first positions.

In team sprint events competitors start in two lines according to the total of FIS points of team members.

Relay start positions for FIS World Cup races are based on the Nations Cup standings; whilst at the FIS World Championships or Olympic Winter Games they are based on the results of the major event that took place the preceding season (FIS World Championships or Olympic Winter Games).
Entries for Relays

For relays, team captains may initially enter up to six athletes at the team captains’ meeting. The final composition of the teams must be given by the team captains at the latest two (2) hours before the start.
Tie-break Rules

In races with individual start, a tie of two or more athletes with the same time remains as such. In the mass start, sprint and relay races, a photo-finish (showing the tip of the shoe crossing the finish line) decides the ranking between two or more athletes reaching the finish line at the same time. If the photo-finish cannot decide the ranking, the athletes remain tied.
Lapping

An athlete or a team overlapped during mass start races has to leave competition immediately, but will be ranked according his/her/its position at the moment of overlapping.
Disqualification

An athlete is disqualified, for example, for using free technique in a classical race or intentionally obstructing another athlete.

The complete rules and regulations for Cross-Country Skiing can be found in the Rules and Publications section
Equipment
Bindings

The bindings secure only the toe of the boot to the ski.
Boots

Cross-Country boots are similar to running shoes. The boots for free technique are more rigid and have more ankle support than the boots used for classic technique.
Poles

For classic technique, the poles should extend to the armpit while standing. Baskets at the bottom of the poles provide a base for a strong push-off. For free technique, the poles are generally longer and stiffer and extend to the chin or mouth of the skier. The baskets and tips are designed like classic poles.
Skis

The skis used in cross-country are lighter and narrower than those used in alpine skiing and have long curved tips. The minimum length of skis for the classical events is 10cm less than the competitor's height, while the average length for skating or free technique skis is between 1.70 and 2 metres. The tips of skating skis also curve more.
Wax

The wax a skier chooses can often be the difference between winning and losing. Knowing what wax to use is determined by snow and weather conditions. There are two types of wax: glide wax and kick wax, also known as grip wax. Glide wax is used to decrease the friction between the skis and the snow. Kick wax is used to increase friction between the skis and the snow in order to prevent slipping.
Suit

Uses stretch fabric hugging the body, similar to a runner’s training clothing. Woollies and thick socks are definitely no longer fashionable.
Glossary
Classic technique

The traditional ski racing technique. Athletes use a diagonal stride in which both skis stay parallel to each other.
Free technique

The skating - or free - technique, which was developed in the 1970s, closely resembles the motions of speed skating, where one pushes the inside edge of the ski simultaneously backward and outward at about a 45-degree angle. It is usually faster than classic technique.
Glide wax

Wax used to decrease the friction between the skis and the snow. It is applied to the entire ski in free technique races, but only to the front and rear tips of the skis in classic races.
Grip wax

Also known as kick wax, it increases the friction between the skis and snow to improve traction. It is applied to the middle part of the skis for classic races.
Harries

A ski preparation technique in classic skiing used when kick wax is not appropriate for the conditions. Technicians use a wire brush to roughen the base of the skis.
Mass start

All competitors start together, and the first skier to pass the finish line is declared the winner.
Pursuit start

Pursuit events have a mass start and the athletes use both techniques within the same race. During a pit stop at the stadium after half of the race distance has been completed, the athletes change equipment from the classical to free technique.
Scramble leg

The first leg of a relay race. Named this way because relay races feature mass starts with everyone bunched together.
Staggered start

A start in which skiers leave at set intervals. The winner is the athlete with the best time.
Vertical

An uphill climb.

Source: Fis-Ski.com

Audi FIS Ski World Cup

Bringing the Audi FIS Ski World Cup closer or into big cities has long been a goal of FIS, after successful city events have already taken place in several disciplines, such as the sprints in Cross-Country Skiing, and aerial Freestyle and big air Snowboard competitions.

Following the successful World Cup events in Zagreb and the two Promotional Events on the large ramp in Moscow (RUS) in 2009, the 2010/11 season will feature a city parallel event as part of the Audi FIS Ski World Cup. The Munich Olympic Park (GER) will play host to this new event on 2nd January 2011.

"We are very pleased to have found such experienced and engaged partners as the Olympiapark München GmbH and the German Ski Association (DSV) for this event premiere. Thanks to their enthusiastic response it was possible to obtain the commitment and draft a very solid initial plan in just 3.5 weeks before the FIS Congress in Antalya," commented FIS Chief Race Director Günter Hujara.

"With Munich Olympic Park, we have a partner that has the necessary event management know-how, existing infrastructure and a long-term track record of executing similar mega-events, including a FIS Ski World Cup parallel slalom demonstration event in 1986 and FIS Snowboard World Cup events at the Olympiaberg in the early 2000's."

He continued:"The product is meeting with a positive market reaction and the marketing/sponsoring negotiations are currently in progress. Live television broadcast is already guaranteed in all major markets, and the starting times have been coordinated as part of the Four-Hills-Tournament qualification for the Bauhaus FIS Ski Jumping World Cup event in Innsbruck on 2nd January. We expect a massive global TV audience and at least 20'000 on-site spectators."

Besides the minimum FIS Alpine World Cup prize money purse of CHF 100'000, the athletes will be competing for Audi FIS Ski World Cup overall points, however not for the individual event point standings. As decided by the FIS Council, the awarding of points is on a one year trial basis.

The top ranked 15 ladies and the top ranked 15 men of the overall World Cup Starting List (WCSL) are qualified for this parallel event. The hosting nation may apply for one wild card for ladies and one for men if there are no qualified athletes among the top 15 ranked athletes. If the hosting nation is presented in the top 15, automatically the top ranked 16th athlete of the overall World Cup Starting List is qualified. If qualified athletes do not enter the event, the 16th ranked and following athletes of the overall World Cup Starting List (WCSL) may enter.

Source Fis-Ski.com

DOLOMITI SUPERSKI Your world of snow one click away

A holiday in the Dolomiti Superski region is a holiday in the heart of a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site – the Dolomites. 1,200 km of panoramic slopes, surrounded by the most beautiful mountains in the world! A holiday that will bowl you over, right from the start: a world of wonder, the most precious treasures of which you can find at every click of the www.DolomitiSuperski.com website.

The www.DolomitiSuperski.com website is a useful portal within everyone’s reach, so that you can get to know the territory, find out about the many offers available and simply and easily organise your entire winter holiday! Just a click away: so come and discover the mountain of wonder waiting for you in the Dolomiti Superski region.

•The pleasure of a perfect holiday: the ideal holiday location for peace and relax, for an unforgettable holiday, thanks to the many offers you will find in the section dedicated to packages, for a family holiday or to enjoy the first rays of sunshine on the slopes! Guests can choose from a wide range of accommodation, and take advantage of the numerous promotions designed to satisfy the needs of families, couples and groups of friends. An infinite choice of hotels to suit all pockets, with all possible comforts, that you can book directly on the website.
•The pleasure of skiing: the emotion of skiing on the most beautiful ski carousel in the world, made even better by a wide range of services, including the Ski-routenplaner which helps you to plan your ski itinerary through the 12 ski zones of the Dolomite regions, simply by entering the departure and arrival points, and choosing from a range of routes that give lengths, altitudes and estimated journey times. Also, using the Daily-Ski-Times Check, skiers and snowboarders can check their snow performance every day, by entering the number code on the front of the skipass in the Ski-performance area of the DolomitiSuperski.com website. And of course, all Dolomiti Superski skipasses can be purchased directly on-line, you just need a credit card and your personal chipcard “my dolomiti skicard” which can be booked free of charge online, at the www.DolomitiSuperski.com website and picked up from the skipass office later.
•The pleasure of beauty care: in the website section dedicated to other activities in the area, of course you will find all the references, suggestions and advice for another of the points of excellence of this territory: a holiday dedicated to mental and physical wellbeing combining the pleasure of open air sports and exercise with the pleasure of relaxing and enjoying a unique experience in any of the many beauty farms and wellness centres in the marvellous Dolomites.
•The pleasure of good food: the local cuisine is another of the strengths of this area, and you can find many excellent dishes that combine the flavours and traditions of the three regions found in the region: Tyrol, Trentino and Veneto. A mix of high quality products that make the gourmet restaurants of the area a delightful must for all lovers of fine foods!

And that’s not all! The Dolomite Superski website offers much more besides: weather, snow conditions, live cams on the slopes in the various districts, ski hire information, and a handy mobile service to keep up to date on the slope conditions, news and information to make sure that your ski paradise is always in easy reach!

Skiing in the DOLOMITES with DOLOMITI SUPERSKI

Is there a reason why, as early as the first years of the 19th century, the Dolomites were the staging area for the first skiing experiments in Europe? These pioneers, who came primarily from Anglo-Saxon and Germanic backgrounds, immediately responded to the beauty of these mountains, the suitability of their gentle slopes for skiing and the magical atmosphere surrounding them. Thanks to their vision, the alliance between the Dolomites and winter sports continues to the present day, now that the Dolomites are a UNESCO National World Heritage Site. The experience of discovering one of the most beautiful mountain landscapes in the world on skis is priceless.
Internationally recognized trails, such as Saslong and Gran Risa, or spectacular panoramic views at the summit of Lagazuoi (2,800 m), Sass Pordoi (2.950 m), Marmolada (3,342 m) and Cristallo/Forcella Staunies (2,930 m), all reachable by cablecar or skilift, offer breathtaking winter views of the snow-covered Dolomites. The same can be said of other, less well-known trails in the 12 ski areas of the Dolomites. Thanks to Dolomiti Superski it is possible to ski from one valley to the next, traveling the trails and enjoying the beautiful Alpine landscape, almost touching the vividly colored rocks – a powerful and unique experience enhanced by your encounter with the stone giants and an idea that seems like a dream: “I am skiing in the heart of a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site.”

THE DOLOMITES the most beautiful mountains in the

Toward the end of the 19th century, the Dolomites saw numerous pioneering activities; the mountains were an excellent area for experimentation of various kinds. Bold British noblemen were the first to conquer the sharp peaks, the jagged summits and the sheer cliffs of the Dolomites. They were followed by Hapsburg climbers who wrote the most important chapters in the history of Dolomite mountain climbing.
Great climbers like the Viennese Paul Grohmann (1838–1908), the first to climb to the top of Tofana de Rozes and Mount Cristallo near Cortina d’Ampezzo, the Sassolungo in Val Gardena and the Three Peaks of Lavaredo in the Sesto Dolomites, loved these mountains and wrote about them in numerous publications. The Austrian Emil Zsigmondy (1861–1885) was also a pioneer in the history of Dolomite mountain climbing. He described them as a “delicious gem in the Alps”. The Lake Garda mountain climber, actor, and movie director Luis Trenker (1892-1990), who was born in Ortisei at the foot of the inimitable Sassolungo, documented his passion for these mountains in numerous books and films, which became known worldwide. Thanks to Trenker, the rocky shapes of the Dolomites became known for the first time on an international level. Finally there is the “king of the eight-thousanders,” Reinhold Messner. Since childhood he has loved the Dolomites. From the window of his house in Val di Funes he could admire the Odle Mountains and may have understood from the start that the mountains would always be with him. Messner has conquered all the highest mountains on the planet, but there has always been a soft spot in his heart for the Dolomites: “They are not the highest, but they are certainly the most beautiful mountains in the world”.
Majestic cliffs, tall sharp peaks, impassible overhangs and jagged summits. The variety of forms and colors and of the valleys that cross the Dolomites, however, have not only charmed the great mountain climbers of history, but great artists as well. Le Corbusier (Switzerland-France 1887–1965), perhaps the greatest contemporary architect, saw in the Dolomites “the most beautiful natural architecture in the world”.

A winter wonderland with plenty of snow

The snowfalls of the past days (up to 20-60 cm of fresh snow) have made the Dolomites even more beautiful than before. Best conditions for a ski holiday on the slopes of Dolomiti Superski. Choose one of the 12 ski regions for your unforgettable "white week".