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The ISMF World Cup season continues in Austria: Schladming hosts a Vertical and a night Sprint race

Thursday, March 13, 2025 – Schladming (Austria)

Less than a week after the World Championships in Morgins, the World Cup season continue.
Welcome to Schladming, Austria, in the heart of the Planai region.

This event is organized in close collaboration with the Austrian Ski Federation and the official organizing committee. Two thrilling races are on the agenda: a Vertical (on Friday 14) and a Sprint (on Saturday 15).

Discover the race tracks, key highlights and the detailed schedule of this 6th World Cup of the season.

Vertical Race

📅 When? Friday, March 14
📏 Length: 2.2 km
📈 Elevation gain: 615 m

A total of 80 athletes are expected at the start line: 47 men and 33 women, representing 23 different nationalities.

Last year, Austria’s Sarah Dreier and Johanna Hiemer dominated the Vertical race on home soil, claiming first and second place.

With Axelle Gachet-Mollaret, the reigning world champion and heavy favorite absent, anything is possible! Serious contenders for the win include France’s Emily Harrop and Célia Périllat-Pessey (third last year), as well as Sweden’s Tove Alexandersson and Switzerland’s Thibe Deseyne, all of whom will be ones to watch.

On the men’s side, the undisputed favorite remains Rémi Bonnet (SUI), who has won every Vertical race this season. Austria’s Paul Verbnjak and Christof Hochenwarter will be giving it their all to claim a podium spot on home soil. They’ll be up against other strong contenders such as Switzerland’s Aurélien Gay, Belgium’s Maximilien Drion Du Chapois, and France’s Thibault Anselmet. We also note the arrival of Lebanese athlete Karim Ramadan, who is making his debut on the circuit this season.

Sprint Track

This course, starting from the base of the Planai Stadion, right in the heart of Schladming’s lively atmosphere, promises an electric ambiance. The finals will take place at night, with spectators gathering after their day on the slopes to witness the action.

The course features a total of 70m of elevation gain, with five kick turns on the ascent, followed by a footpack section before the final uphill on skis and the downhill.

A total of 149 athletes are expected at the start line: 85 men and 64 women, representing 26 different nationalities.

On the women’s start list, all the top contenders are set to compete, including Emily Harrop, Marianne Fatton, Célia Périllat-Pessey, Ana Alonso, and Lena Bonnel. The men’s field is just as stacked, featuring favorites such as Oriol Cardona Coll, Arno Lietha, Robin Bussard, and Jon Kistler.

A fierce battle is expected, with Olympic stakes still looming large. Whether it’s about securing points for their nation or solidifying their status as the top athlete within their federation, every result will count.

Weather Conditions

The forecast may not be “ideal”, but we’re keeping our fingers crossed to avoid rain during the Vertical race. As for the Sprint, conditions should be more favorable!

Schedule

Friday, March 14 – Vertical Races

  • Start of the Live streaming – 14:00 (CET)
  • Senior Men – 14:10 (CET)
  • Senior Women – 14:38 (CET)
  • Award Ceremony – 18:00 (CET)

Saturday, March 15 – Sprint Races

  • Start of the Live Streaming – 17:35 (CET)
  • Semifinals & finals – 18:45 (CET)
  • Closing ceremony – 19:30 (CET)

This schedule is subject to change. Stay updated by following ISMF on social media (links available at the bottom of the page).

How to watch?
Of course, the best place to watch a race is onsite, but if you are not able to be there, the International Ski Mountaineering Federation has signed agreements with several broadcasting channels so everyone can follow the competitions.
Follow the ISMF events live on the following channels:

Local Organizing Committe

Director of LOC: Erwin Mayer
ISMF Official Representative: Pierre Dupont
ISMF Technical Delegate: Rocco Romagna
ISMF Jury President: Antoni Massagué
ISMF Referees: Jörg Fegg + Silviu Balan
ISMF VAR Referee: Dariusz Finster
National Referees: Lucas Kolb + Peter Gruber
LOC Race Director: Hannes Mayerl
LOC Track Director: Harald Danklmaier
Media: Martin Weigl