The 30th annual AUDI FIS Women’s Ski World cup is underway at Semmering, Austria, drawing thousands of spectators and competitors to the Lower Austrian region. Following a thrilling Giant Slalom victory for local favorite Julia Scheib on Saturday, the event continues to showcase world-class alpine skiing and the region’s capacity for hosting major international sporting competitions.Officials are praising the event’s association, enthusiastic crowds, and positive economic impact on the area, with a Night Slalom still to come this evening. The weekend also featured a celebrity ski challenge raising funds for Lower Austrian ski youth growth.
Spectacular sunshine, immaculately groomed slopes, and a vibrant crowd of ski fans: the AUDI FIS Women’s Ski World Cup at Semmering is once again proving to be a premier sporting event for Lower Austria as it celebrates its 30th anniversary. The Giant Slalom yesterday saw Julia Scheib secure a thrilling home victory in front of thousands of enthusiastic spectators lining the course and filling the finish area at Hirschenkogel.
“The World Cup at Semmering once again embodies a love for our homeland, togetherness, a connection with nature, and strong athletic performances,” said Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner. “Thousands of guests – many from the eastern region – are using this weekend to experience ski racing and the beauty of our region together. This proximity and enthusiasm make the Women’s Ski World Cup at Semmering so unique. My thanks go to the visitors for creating a fantastic atmosphere with their enthusiasm, as well as to the athletes for their impressive performances. Above all, I thank the approximately 400 volunteers and the WSV Semmering, who with their dedication, reliability, and experience ensure that the 30th World Cup at Semmering is a very special experience for everyone.”
“The Ski World Cup at Semmering is a celebration of ski sport and a significant boost for the entire region. Full spectator stands, perfect organization, and top athletic performances clearly demonstrate: Lower Austria can host a Ski World Cup! A big thank you goes to all the volunteers and especially to Franz Steiner and his team from WSV Semmering, who have put together a top-notch organization,” stated Sports Councillor and Vice-Governor Udo Landbauer.
Organizing Committee Chief Franz Steiner highlighted the successful work of recent weeks and months: “From the perspective of the organizing committee, we are more than satisfied. Two dream days with thousands of enthusiastic ski fans speak for themselves. Our team and the Semmering Hirschenkogel Bergbahnen ensured perfect slope conditions. A heartfelt thank you goes to the ÖSV, the FIS, the State of Lower Austria, as well as all authorities, emergency services, and volunteers who have once again done a great job.”
Earlier today, Sunday, the NÖ Skipool, in cooperation with SPORTLAND Niederösterreich, hosted the fourth annual Promi Ski Challenge at Semmering. A total of 14 teams competed, raising money for Lower Austrian ski youth alongside local sports stars. Each team completed the course with four runners, with the three most consistent times determining the score. Sports legends such as Marlies Raich, Marc Digruber, and Christoph Schmölzer participated, as did Lower Austria’s Sports Councillor and Vice-Governor Udo Landbauer. The team Niederösterreichische Versicherung took the victory.
All eyes now turn to tonight’s Night Slalom. The first run is scheduled to begin at 2:15 PM, with the final run following at 5:45 PM.
