Sölden passes snow check for World Cup opener

The World Cup season opener on the Rettenbachferner glacier in Sölden is cleared to go ahead late next week after a positive snow inspection on Thursday, ORF reported. The International Ski and Snowboard Federation carried out the official check.

FIS race director Janez Hladnik praised the work of the team led by course chief Isidor Grüner, saying it had done an excellent job. He said a great opening was guaranteed, although work still remained before the event.

Former racer Florian Scheiber will serve as race director for the glacier event for the first time this year. He said the team would work to deliver fair and safe races at the highest level.

This year’s event will also introduce cashless payments across all official event areas and at every ticket office selling day tickets, Ski Austria said.

The Sölden season opener will feature one giant slalom each for women and men. The races are scheduled for 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and will be broadcast live on ORF 1.