World’s longest super slalom hits La Plagne
While the Alps has struggled with snow this season, initially not having enough to go around, now it has all arrived at once causing closure at the Wegen’s Lauberhorn downhill ski race. The 40cm that arrived in Switzerland on Friday night should signify more stable weather systems going into the New Year, a welcome relief to those who have booked Ski Holidays in France ski holidays in France or Switzerland for the coming months.
La Plagne has plenty of time to prepare for its super slalom as the race is on the 1st of April though its registration opened on the 10th of January. Organised by two of the skiing world’s stars - Julien Reginier, free style and back country ski pioneer and Julien Lizerou, twice world championship silver medallist - it is set to be a diverse and exciting event and much anticipated.
With athletes required to tackle a demanding course of over 4km in 4 to 10 minutes, there will be some serious speed at stake. The race will have a junior category for those wishing to compete under the age of 18 and there will be an expected 400 hopefuls taking part.
An event organised by two of the sport’s best-known athletes is expected to attract a varied and vivacious crowd that is being catered to with a host of events beyond the race. The event is set to have two activity centres, and those looking for a relaxed environment should focus on Chalet de la Roche, which will host live concerts and the prize giving. The hard-core sport enthusiast can opt for La Plagne 2000 where they can test new merchandise and meet the competitors.
Whether the weather prevails or the snow is artificial, it will be an enjoyable event to round off a season that has been so fraught thus far.
Image Credit:Christian Jansky