Lech Zürs fights climate to host WC Parallel GS races

2021 Lech Zürs Parallel GS venue

While many ski areas in Colorado have fresh snow and cold temperatures, Europe’s ski resorts face a climate challenge. As previously reported, the FIS canceled the men’s and women’s season-opening downhills in Zermatt-Cervinia. They lacked the cold temperatures required to make enough snow to reach the bottom of the course. All accounts indicate they tried every possible solution to give the races the best chance to happen.

Meanwhile, Austria experienced its warmest October on record. This issue poses a significant challenge for the Parallel GS World Cup organizers in Lech Zürs. The so-called “Flexenrace” is scheduled to occur in less than two weeks. Women hope to race on Saturday, November 12th, followed by the men on Sunday, November 13th. The qualification runs will both take place during the day and the finals at night. Assuming the event is possible, the 4,000 expected fans will provide an unforgettable, high-energy atmosphere.

Snow farming is a good start, but it will not be enough

Aware of the prevailing climatic circumstances, last spring, the organizers stored a massive amount of snow in shady places near the venue. Additionally, the organizers covered the sheltered snow with an insulating layer of wood chips to preserve their winter resources. Consequently, this farmed snow provides the base for preparing the race hill before the event.

Today, the organizing committee began transporting snow from this snow depot to the event venue. Additionally, they are hoping for a change in the weather that will allow for the production of artificial snow. However, the organizers also know that the actual preparation of the race slope requires time and the cooperation of the weather. Forty-eight hours of cold temperatures would be adequate to produce enough snow to hold the race.

Organizers will utilize every opportunity to succeed

Various weather models predict snow at the end of the week when the FIS will undertake its mandatory snow control. The Lech Zürs World Cup crew will make every possible effort to hold the races but is also realistic: “This mission is going to be a tough one, but we will fight to the last second to make it happen.”