Austrian downhill team leaves Chile early due to lack of snow

Hannes Reichelt is the only Austrian downhiller who will remain in South America. GEPA/Andreas Pranter

The Austrian men’s downhill team has decided to leave Chile early due to a lack of suitable training conditions in South America. They will return home from Portillo this weekend after having just arrived in mid-August. 

“The training this week was good, but due to the high temperatures no more professional training will be possible in the next few weeks,” said Austrian Ski Federation Men’s Sports Director Andreas Puelacher. “In addition, the snow is getting less and therefore our hands are tied on the on-site training facilities. “

Except for Hannes Reichelt who will fly to Ushuaia in Argentina for additional training, all athletes and coaches are returning to Austria. When and where the next snow training camp to take place is not yet clear. 

Chilean resorts have struggled with snow levels this winter and teams all around the world who rely on Southern Hemisphere training in their summers have had to alter plans around the unseasonable weather in South America. 

Release courtesy of OSV