World's Longest Giant Slalom Race This Weekend

Val Gardena in the Italian Dolomites is hosting one of the winter’s sporting highlights this coming weekend, March 28 and 29, 2026, when its Seceda slope will once again become the stage for the Südtirol Gardenissima, the longest giant slalom in the world.

For the 28th time, the international ski scene will gather in Val Gardena to compete on one of the most spectacular slopes in the Alps. The course stretches over six kilometers (nearly 4 miles) from Seceda down to the valley station of the Col Raiser gondola, a demanding course with more than 1,000 meters of vertical drop and a total of 115 gates. Not only technique is required, but above all endurance and race intelligence.

The field of participants is of the highest level: many World Cup athletes from near and far will be taking part, as well as numerous young athletes from the Europa Cup. Additional star power will be provided by well-known ski legends and, of course, the many amateurs who will have the unique opportunity to compete with them on the same course.

Among the men are Alex Vinatzer, Christof Innerhofer, Mattia Casse, Max Perathoner, Daniel Hemetsberger, Manuel Traninger, Miha Hrobat, Romed Baumann, Simon Jocher, Albert Ortega Fornesa, Simon Mauerberger and others.

Among the women are Nicol and Nadia Delago, Franziska Gritsch, Christina Ager, Emily Schöpf, Viktoria Olivier, Adriana Jelinkova and others.

Among the ski legends, standout names include Isolde Kostner, Verena Stuffer, Paola Magoni, Brigitte Obermoser, Andrea Fischbacher, Tanja Schneider and, among the men, Kristian Ghedina, Peter Runggaldier and many more.

However, the Gardenissima is much more than just a race. Along the course and in the finish area, a special atmosphere is created year after year, inspiring professionals, amateurs and spectators alike.

Around 700 participants from 24 nations are expected, with the start scheduled early in the morning at 7:30 a.m. The award ceremony will take place at 3:00 p.m. in the finish area of the Gardenissima at the Col Raiser valley station, followed by the After Race Party at Col da Mulin.

Even in the days leading up to the event, the program offers numerous highlights: during the bib distribution the day before at the “Pitla Sala” cultural center in Selva di Val Gardena, fans will have the opportunity to get very close to their idols. During the bib distribution, it will be possible to talk to the athletes, get autographs and take souvenir photos, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

In addition, a large ski test on the “Curona” slope invites everyone to try out the latest ski models for the coming season from Thursday, March 26 to Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day.

On Sunday, the stage will belong to the young generation: at the Gardenissima Kids, around 300 young athletes from 12 nations will compete on a 1.9-kilometer course. The event for the youngest participants is much more than just a competition: it is a formative experience that conveys the fundamental values of sport such as respect, commitment, determination and joy. Every year, hundreds of young athletes take part with great enthusiasm, accompanied by their families and coaches, creating a unique atmosphere full of smiles, emotions and their first major sporting challenges. The start is scheduled for 8:30 a.m., on a demanding giant slalom course with 463 meters of vertical drop.