As in Sölden, also in Zermatt: strong wind disrupts the Alpine Ski World Cup. Image: dpa
The World Ski Association claims to be fighting against climate change, but wants to have little to do with high emissions in the World Cup. Athletes and environmentalists consider this a whitewash and are increasing their resistance.
There is nothing in the result lists of the Alpine Ski World Cup, at least for men. The giant slalom in Sölden at the end of October? Canceled due to strong winds. The two downhill races that were scheduled last weekend on the “Gran Becca” from Zermatt to Cervinia? Canceled due to strong winds and snowfall.
It wasn’t World Cup races that heated up tempers, but the discussions about whether they were necessary so early in the winter season. Setting up the races in times of climate change on glaciers with existential threats, such as in Sölden or on the Theodul glacier above Zermatt, and at such an early stage – former ski racer Felix Neureuther also found this “no longer appropriate”. That’s what he recently said to the FAS. The dredging work on the slopes in particular has led to public outrage. But what is behind the allegations that the International Ski Federation (FIS) is not taking climate change seriously enough?
