Val Gardena in the Italian Dolomites will once again stage its famous Gardenissima giant slalom (GS) ski race over the upcoming final weekend of March.
Billed as the longest giant slalom race in the world, the course is more than 6km (about 4 miles) long descending from the Seceda Peak down to Col Rauiser. Along the way racers must negotiate 115 slalom gates.
The race involves hundreds of people, including a mix of professional athletes and enthusiast amateurs who compete together. However all competitors must be registered with either the International or Italian Ski Federations (FIS or FISI) and have a medical certificate of suitability.
This year the race starts on Saturday March 30th at 8am and continues through much of the day with up to the maximum 680 participants racing with timed starts.
The day will include additional festivities and music acts for participants and their supports alike and will end with the award ceremony at 15.30 at the centre of Santa Cristina.
On Sunday 31st the race is repeated but on a shorter 2km track for children aged under 14.
