Men's European Cup Slalom
Men's special slalom on the black slope at the "Aloch" ski stadium in the centre of Pozza, valid for the continental race circuit and the "Pastore" Memorial
The season of major ski competitions kicks off in Val di Fassa with the Men’s European Cup Slalom. On Saturday 20 December, around 100 athletes from 20 countries will race between the tight gates of the "Aloch" Ski Stadium in Pozza, competing in two heats (9:30 and 12:30) for the prestigious Elke and Alceo Pastore Trophy, dedicated to the founder of the Fassa Ski Team. This high-intensity, technical race has become a traditional opener for the valley’s winter competition calendar.
The "Aloch" slope is one of the most demanding in the Dolomites and, since 2006, has been the official training venue of the Italian national team, as part of the "Piste Azzurre" project promoted by FISI (Italian Winter Sports Federation) and Dolomiti Superski. With a 220-metre vertical drop and a 27% average gradient, it also attracts top international teams from the USA, Sweden, Germany, and elite programmes such as the Apex 2100 International Ski Academy, the Val di Fassa Ski Academy, and the Ladies International Team led by Chris Knight.
In last year’s edition, Lara Colturi - PRO Val di Fassa Ambassador alongside Germany’s Linus Strasser - opened the race as forerunner. Victory went to Gustav Wissting, a 19-year-old Swede, followed by Oscar Andreas Sandvik (Norway) and Jesper Pohjolainen (Finland), who shared second place. Close behind were Italians Tommaso Saccardi (4th) and Simon Maurberger (5th).
This year, once again, Europe’s best young alpine skiing talents are ready to put on a show, chasing points, exposure, and the dream of breaking into the World Cup circuit. An unmissable event set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Dolomites - the perfect springboard toward the next World Cup stops (Alta Badia, Madonna di Campiglio) and the long-awaited Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.
Admission to the stands is free.
