St Anton is preparing for the famous White Thrill racer which takes place on the 19th April this year.
The infamous mass start race sees 555 competitors descend 1,300 metres in altitude, plus a vertical climb of 150 metres climb as they try to beat the current record time of seven minutes, 40.6 seconds.
The nine kilometre long race receives a mix of competitors from top athletes and amateur sportsmen and women, with less competitive participants just wanting to be part of the spectacle and perhaps beat their personal best. What really counts is crossing the finishing line, amply demonstrated by the many participants who compete in fancy dress and take a leisurely half an hour to complete the course.
The race down from the Valluga Ridge, which starts at 5pm, includes the climb up only 30 seconds after the race begins. Spectators can follow the race on an LED screen in the finish area and join the giant “White Thrill Party” after the prize giving ceremony.
Paul Schwarzacher, member of the Austrian National Ski Team training team has triumphed a record winning nine times.
The fastest time of seven minutes and 40.6 seconds, however, was set in 2012 by Florian Holzinger from Germany. Times between 11 and 18 minutes are a good average, but they lose their significance once the race is over.
The Arlberg Marmot“ is a less extreme version of the race and is held on the same date. Here, toned down rules apply, including the “Mini White Thrill” race for participants aged 11 to 16 years on 19th April at 4.30pm which starts just above the Sennhütte.