 Poster: A snowHead
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Hi,
We were looking at a week in Ski Amade (Flachau) in mid January. We have realised that, the same week, there is a World Cup ladies night race planned. We have never seen a pro ski race before and this could be an ideal opportunity. However, we are concerned about possible disruption.
From what we have read, there are quite a few locally based snowheads as well as a number that appear to be regular visitors who may have experienced this event in past years.
A few questions really, (to start with):-
How much interference to 'normal' skiing will there be ?
It looks like one of the two Flachau main resort pistes will be out of action for many days and maybe even the Starjet1 lift itself. Is this an accurate assumption?
Bear in mind, it was to be that end of the resort we intended to be located. We'd also hoped not to resort to buses or long walks.
So, if we do take this week, what the best advice for seeing the race? Where to watch the race from? Are event tickets a good idea?
From the event site (https://www.flachau.com/skiweltcup/en/home.html) it suggests that access to the immediate area is restricted and tickets are required.
Priority 1, is definitely our ski week but, if the WC race isn't too intrusive then we'd be crazy to miss it.
Any advice is appreciated.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@MikeSk1er, the world cup piste diwn to the starjet will be closef in the run up and a couple of days after. The lift will be available as it links to the starjet 2 and 3. You can download on the starjet 1 to get back.
It's a great week in town. It starts the night before with the bib draw, entertainment and a charity fun race, which is free to watch from the grandstand.
Race night itself...you buy tickets from the kasse. Buy the day before for discount...you can only see the race with a ticket..We always watch from the side of the piste. They cut steps across the piste so you have level surfaces to stand on. There are ropes to haul yourself up and to hold on to get back down. Get as close to the netting as you can to get a good viee. Or soend megabucks for the grandstand.
There is entertainment before the race and between the runs. In recent years we haven't bothered to watch the first run as it is very cold. We watch it in a bar then go up for the second run then hit a bar afterwards...and end up in the musistadl.
Wear your ski gear and very warm boots.
Ask if there is anything specific you want to know
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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@MikeSk1er, What @holidayloverxx, said. Plus it is easy to get anywhere in the village on the Free Ski Buses and it is only a couple of minutes across to the Achter Jet or Space Jet lifts instead. If you really don't like crowds (and I don't recall it being anywhere near as busy on the slopes as say Half-Term week), then nip up to Kleinarl/Zauchensee for the day but don't miss the race. If you have a good location for your hotel/apartment you may even be able to watch from the terrace. I wouldn't plan on eating out that night though unless you book very early.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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As above - the race is worth watching once from the course. You'll struggle to get up to the higher levels unless you are used to walking in soft snow, and if you haven't got thermal snow boots with 2 heavy pairs of socks on you'll get frozen feet in about 30 minutes. You might be tempted to have a beer or two while you wait, but it is typically only Gösser available from the slope-side tents as they're one of the main sponsors, and I'd rather drink a pint of warm vomit.
There's about two hours between the first and second runs as they reset the course, during which time it is possible to get to a restaurant, eat a meal, and get back to the slope. However, booking is essential, and service will be maxed out so it's probably more stress than you need. Alternatively, leave after the top 20 starters, and only come back when the top 20 go again in reverse order and you can have 3 hours and a head start on the crowds.
The Monday night bib draw in the centre of town is worth a watch (you can see the skiers really close up as they arrive by skidoo through the crowd), but it can be a bit of an anti-climax sometimes as there's only 20 bibs and the process doesn't really get much more exciting than being asked two inane questions by the local TV presenter then drawing a ball from a bag and collecting the bib. I recommend the free event on the course where legends compete with aspiring young racers. Normally they're scored on how close they can get to the younger member's time, so when a 15 year old goes for it to make a name for themselves the 50 year old has their work cut out to match their time, and it is good fun watching the next generation and trying to spot the upcoming star. The grandstand is free and usually fairly full, and it's a good hour of entertainment and gives you some idea of how passionate the locals are about their skiing.
One thing to watch out for is the road closures - when the crowds are arriving or leaving, the village is closed to traffic completely and a shuttle bus service runs to the car parks at the other lifts and to a field of overflow parking, though many people walk back. If you are planning a trip out by car, ask for the details of this to avoid having to park it at the other end of the village overnight.
The race only affects the StarJet piste, and only from the midstation downwards. Until the Monday you can normally ski down the side of the course, and then on Wednesday it is sometimes possible to ski on it as well though I'd not advise doing so until at least Thursday as the water-injected ice on the course is lethal for those not on race tuned skis and with skills to match. They run a piste basher over it after the race, but the ice survives a few days in patches. Other than that, general skiing is entirely unaffected - almost all of those watching the race travel in for it on the day, and leave again late in the evening
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Wow, that was quick.
Thanks for the information, It seems very doable!
Particular note made of warm boots!
We just need to finalise the accommodation.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Well, we made it here.
As prevoiusly advised, the piste is closed and has been since the weekend. You can downlift though but, it has put extra people on the achterjet piste.
Tried to buy basic tickets today from the lift office. It is advertised that you can, only to be told, to go to the tourist office. The hotel could supply though. At the discounted rate and it also saved the 1km walk!
Mid afternoon, car parks appear to be filling and more people are in the main town.
Anyone else in the area for this?
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