Ultra Europe 2024

The Biggest Skiing Showdown of 2024 is here! Whether you're following the sport or the spectacle, this guide covers everything you need to know about this season’s alpine ski world cup.What is the Alpine Ski World Cup? The Alpine Ski World Cup 2024-2025 is one of the most prestigious annual series in the sport since 1967 with athletes from across the globe pushing their limits on the world’s most challenging slopes.  What happens in the Alpine Ski World Cup?  Organised by the International Ski Federation (FIS), this World Cup is a season-long competition showcasing the world's elite skiers across various global venues. From October to March, it features thrilling races in five major disciplines: Slalom: Known for its tight, rapid turns, and closely spaced gates, demanding agility and precision. Giant Slalom (GS): Similar to slalom but with gates spaced farther apart, allowing skiers to reach higher speeds and control. Super-G: A hybrid of giant slalom and downhill, this discipline features longer turns with fewer gates. Downhill: The fastest and most daring event, downhill is all about long, sweeping turns on steep slopes with top speeds. Alpine Combined: A true test of versatility, combining one downhill or super-G run with one slalom run, challenging skiers to excel in both speed and technical mastery. Over the season, skiers vie for two types of trophies:  Overall, Crystal Globe: Awarded to the skier with the most cumulative points across all disciplines. Discipline Crystal Globes: Given to the athletes with the highest points in individual events, such as Slalom, Downhill, or Super-G. This thrilling circuit brings together the best in the sport, where every race brings skiers closer to the coveted crystal globes and a place in skiing history. The impressive history and athletes of the Alpine Ski World Cup The Alpine Ski World Cup has a rich history, dating back to its inception in 1967 when French journalist Serge Lang initiated the first season.  Among the legends is Ingemar Stenmark of Sweden, who holds an impressive record of 86 World Cup race victories and Lindsey Vonn from the USA has left an indelible mark, with 82 victories, cementing her status as one of the greatest female skiers in history. More recently, the World Cup has been dominated by stars like Mikaela Shiffrin (USA), renowned for her ability to excel across multiple disciplines, and Marcel Hirscher (Austria), a dominant force in the men's circuit and a multiple-time overall World Cup champion. Check out the Calendar for the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup 2024-2025 to find out the key destinations and dates for races! You can see here some of the dates:Bormio (ITA) December 28th Downhill / Men December 29th Super-G / Men Kranjska Gora (SLO) January 4th Giant Slalom / Women January 5th Slalom / Women  Sestriere (ITA) February 22nd Giant Slalom / Women February 23rd Slalom / Women Kranjska Gora (SLO) March 1st Giant Slalom / Men March 2nd Slalom / Men La Thuile (ITA)  March 15th Downhill / Women March 16th Super-G / Women Experience the ultimate thrill at Alpine Ski World Cup  About the areaThe World Cup races take place at some of the most prestigious ski resorts worldwide, spanning Europe, North America, and occasionally Asia. Iconic venues include: Sestrière (Italy): Nestled within the expansive Milky Way (Via Lattea) ski area, Sestrière is famed for hosting thrilling giant slalom and slalom events, attracting top athletes to its demanding slopes. Kranjska Gora (Slovenia): A fan-favourite destination, this picturesque resort is a key stop for slalom and giant slalom races, beloved for its scenic backdrop and passionate local supporters. Bormio (Italy): Set in the stunning Italian Alps of Lombardy, Bormio is a standout venue in the World Cup circuit, known for its formidable downhill and super-G courses that test even the most skilled skiers. Event Details Name of the event: Alpine Ski World Cup Location: Various renowned ski resorts around the world. Date: From October 26, 2024, to March 27, 2025.  Official Event Website: Alpine Ski World Cup Ready to experience the excitement of the Alpine Ski World Cup 2024-2025? Book your stay in the heart of the action and enjoy the thrill like never before!

Ride on the Edge with the Free Ride World Tour in Andorra! Launched in 2008, the FWT isn't just a competition, it's an adrenaline-fueled journey that keeps athletes and fans on the edge of their seats. Imagine standing atop a mountain, heart racing, with untouched snow and jagged cliffs ahead. This is Freeride World Tour (FWT), a premier global series where the world's most daring skiers and snowboarders push the limits on the most extreme terrain.  What to expect in Free Ride World Tour? The Free Ride World Tour is all about freeride disciplines. Athletes ski or snowboard down steep, unmarked mountain slopes, picking their paths. The challenge? Mixing creativity, control, and style while tackling cliffs, rocks, and untouched snow. It includes men’s and women’s categories in skiing and snowboarding, with each event unfolding over multiple competition rounds. For rising stars, the Freeride World Qualifier (FWQ) offers a pathway to the main tour, where up-and-coming riders compete for a coveted spot on the FWT. Many top free riders, like Xavier de Le Rue, Candide Thovex, and Arianna Tricomi, have gained fame through the FWT. Event Locations The tour takes place across five main events in famous freeride destinations around the world. While locations may vary, these are the major stops: Vallnord-Arcalís, Andorra: This location offers a perfect playground for athletes in all categories to unleash their tricks and big mountain turns. Verbier, Switzerland: Known for its legendary Bec des Rosses peak, Verbier is the home to the prestigious Verbier Xtreme final, with steep, technical lines that test the best. Fieberbrunn, Austria: Famous for its Wildseeloder face, with a 583 m vertical drop and steep, technical lines. Riders tackle a two-run format, where only the best score counts, raising the stakes for every run. Kicking Horse, Canada: A freeride haven, this resort features deep powder, massive cliffs, and a passionate local crowd. Hakuba, Japan: As Japan's largest and most renowned alpine resort, Hakuba offers a wide range of terrain, catering to everyone from beginners to experts. What happens in Andorra during the Freeride World Tour? The FWT is fiercely competitive, and not every athlete qualifies for the entire tour. Riders accumulate points at each event, with the top scorers advancing to the season's final showdown in Verbier.  The Andorra stop is more than just a competition; it's a major draw for freeride fans and winter sports enthusiasts. Spectators can enjoy the action from designated viewing areas or follow the event through live streams. Ultimately, the Freeride World Tour showcases the thrill of high-risk, high reward freeride skiing and snowboarding at some of the world’s most iconic mountain locations. Experience the thrill at the Free Ride World Tour About the area: One of the Free Ride World Tour's stops is in Andorra, a picturesque principality nestled in the Pyrenees. The event is held at Vallnord-Arcalís, a premier freeride destination renowned for its diverse and challenging terrain. Vallnord-Arcalís, with its steep faces, rugged cliffs, and intricate off-piste routes, has been a staple on the FWT circuit for years. The area’s high-quality natural snow and unique features make it a magnet for top freeride athletes. Beyond the excitement of the event, Andorra also benefits significantly from tourism. The region is famed for its duty-free shopping, rich mountain culture, and excellent skiing infrastructure, all of which enhance the overall experience for visitors. Event Details Name of the event:  Free Ride World Tour Location: Several around the world Date: January-March 2025 Official Event Website: Free Ride World Tour

Get your adrenaline pumping with the coolest ski event in Slovenia! This year you can witness live the Ski Jumping World Cup finals that will take place in Planica. The world's best ski jumpers will compete on the Flying hill ‘Letalnica’ of Gorišek brothers between March 27 and 30 2025. Don’t miss this incredible event that includes free bus transport, spectacular ski-flying and even a music programme. Free bus transport from Kranjska Gora and surrounding area to Planica will be available to all the visitors. We advise you not to go to Planica by car. Buses have priority in arriving to and departing from Planica! More info hereAbout the areaIn March, the picturesque valley in the immediate vicinity of the border with Italy and Austria hosts the biggest sports and entertainment spectacle in Slovenia. Planica is, in fact, the traditional venue of the Ski Jumping World Cup Final, visited by tens of thousands of visitors every year. Sports and adrenaline enthusiasts in addition to seven new jumping hills, the flying hill, and cross-country skiing trails (also in summertime) have lots of other activities to do such as the Zipline Planica and the Wind Tunnel. Are you more into nature? The Tamar Valley, the Zelenci nature reserve and the Tromeja tourist route until the Peč Peak from which you could admire the triple border.Event Details Name of the event: FIS Ski Jumping World Cup in Planica Location: Planica, Slovenia Date:  27-30 March 2025 More info: FIS Ski Jumping World Cup TicketsBuy your ticket here

Experience Thrills on the Slopes of Sestriere! Mark your calendars for March 29-30, 2025, as Sestriere hosts the annual Uovo D'Oro (Golden Egg) race. Since 1981, this event has been a highlight of the skiing calendar, attracting over 1,700 young athletes to the Olympic slopes of Monte Alpette. Held during the Easter period, the race symbolizes fun, competition, and the festive spirit of the holiday, making it a cherished tradition for families and ski enthusiasts alike. The event culminates in an official prize-giving ceremony, followed by a much-anticipated prize draw for all competitors and their coaches. What to Expect? With a legacy dating back to 1981, Uovo D’Oro has become one of Italy’s most prestigious youth ski competitions. The race features five categories—Super Baby, Baby, Puppies, Boys, and Girls—allowing young athletes of all ages to compete. Participants will compete on five designated race slopes on Monte Alpette: Kandahar, Standard, Sises2, Sises3, and Super Baby. The competition concludes with an official prize-giving ceremony and an exciting prize draw where athletes and their coaches stand a chance to win special rewards.  Combining elite-level competition with a family-friendly atmosphere, Uovo D’Oro continues to be a cherished annual tradition in the heart of the Italian Alps. Experience the Best of Skiing Talent at Uovo D'Oro 2025. Get Ready for Uovo D’Oro with Happy.Rentals! Experience Uovo D’Oro with Happy.Rentals- your go-to holiday rental partner in Vialattea. Offering a diverse selection of holiday homes to suit every budget, taste, and travel style, Happy Rentals ensures a seamless stay with on-site assistance from a property manager if needed. Plus, enjoy an exclusive 15% discount with the code VIALATTEA15.  Ticket Information Vialattea offers various ski pass options, including day passes and season passes. Prices vary depending on the season, with high-season day passes costing €54.00 and low-season passes at €50.00. Discounts are available for Skicard holders. For detailed ski pass information and online purchases, visit the Vialattea website. For Uovo D'Oro event-specific inquiries, contact uovodoro@vialattea.it. About the Area Perched at an elevation of 2,035 meters, Sestriere is one of Italy’s premier ski resorts and a key part of the Vialattea (Milky Way) ski area, which boasts over 400 km of interconnected slopes spanning Italy and France. The resort was founded in the 1930s by Giovanni Agnelli, the founder of FIAT, as a luxury alpine destination. Sestriere has hosted multiple World Cup events and was a venue for the 2006 Winter Olympics, solidifying its reputation as a world-class ski destination. Beyond the slopes, visitors can explore charming alpine villages, indulge in Italian cuisine, and experience the rich cultural heritage of the Piedmont region. In summer, the region offers hiking, mountain biking, and golf, making it an all-season adventure hub.  Event Details Name of the event: Uovo D'Oro 2025 Location: Sestriere, Italy Date: March 29th and 30th, 2025 Official Event Website: Uovo D'Oro 2025Don't Miss the Golden Opportunity to Witness Skiing Excellence! 

Dive into the World of Documentaries at ZagrebDox!ZagrebDox, the International Documentary Film Festival, is back, bringing the best of documentary filmmaking to the heart of Croatia.  From thought-provoking narratives to stunning visuals, this festival offers a unique window into our world.  Mark your calendars for this year's edition from March 30th to April 6th at the Kaptol Boutique Cinema, Zagreb. Whether you're a seasoned documentary enthusiast or just curious about the genre, ZagrebDox promises an unforgettable experience. What to ExpectDiverse Competition Programs: ZagrebDox presents a rich tapestry of documentary filmmaking through its International and Regional Competition Programs. These sections showcase a wide spectrum of narratives, from global perspectives to stories rooted in Southeastern Europe, offering viewers a chance to witness powerful and impactful storytelling. Thematic and Retrospective Programs: Beyond the competitions, the festival delves into curated thematic programs, exploring specific subjects and issues through the lens of documentary. Additionally, retrospectives shine a light on the works of influential filmmakers, providing a historical context and appreciation for the genre's evolution. Awards and Recognition: The festival culminates in prestigious awards, celebrating the best in documentary filmmaking. The "Big Stamp" honors outstanding achievements in international and regional competitions, while the "Little Stamp" recognises emerging talent. Audience engagement is also valued, with an award determined by viewer votes. Special awards and mentions further acknowledge exceptional contributions to the art form. ZagrebDox Pro: ZagrebDox Pro serves as a crucial platform for documentary film professionals, offering a training program designed to enhance skills and foster collaboration. This initiative contributes to the growth and development of the documentary filmmaking community. Engage with Filmmakers: A key aspect of ZagrebDox is the opportunity for audience interaction. Q&A sessions and discussions with directors and producers provide valuable insights into the creative process and the stories behind the films, creating a deeper connection between filmmakers and viewers. Volunteer Opportunities: Those interested in actively participating in the festival can explore volunteer opportunities, contributing to the smooth running of the event and gaining valuable experience.Showcase your work, network with like-minded people and be a part of professional community at ZagrebDox 2025. About the AreaZagreb, the capital of Croatia, is a city brimming with history, culture, and charm.  From its medieval Upper Town with its iconic St. Mark's Church to the bustling Lower Town with its vibrant cafes and shops, Zagreb offers something for everyone.  Explore the Museum of Broken Relationships, stroll through the picturesque Dolac Market, or take a relaxing walk through the Maksimir Park.  Zagreb's blend of Austro-Hungarian and Croatian influences is reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and overall atmosphere.  It's a city that effortlessly combines old-world charm with a modern, cosmopolitan vibe, making it a perfect backdrop for a film festival.Event DetailsName of the event: ZagrebDox 2025Location: Kaptol Boutique Cinema, ZagrebDate: March 30th- April 6th 2025Official Event Website: ZagrebDox 2025Lights, Camera, ZagrebDox!