Alpine skiing

FIS alpine races 2025 / 2026 – the complete guide for spectators: Downhill, Super-G, Giant Slalom, Slalom, Parallel Races, and Alpine Combined

The FIS Alpine Ski World Cup brings the most dynamic scenes of winter sports – from the extreme speeds of downhill to the millimeter-precise turns in slalom. The 2025 / 2026 season in the mountains of Europe gathers the best male and female skiers in the world, and each discipline offers a completely different type of live excitement. For fans from Croatia, the journey to the alpine arenas has never been easier: many destinations are well-connected, and with good planning, it's possible to combine a weekend getaway with a true sporting spectacle. FIS competitions are both a sporting and a production experience. In the finish arena, you'll hear a mix of fan drums, DJ sets, and cowbells, while on the slopes, the whistles of speed and the crunch of ice under the edges dominate. Usually, a ticket is required for the best seats, but there are also fan zones and natural viewpoints along the course where you can feel the true "pulse" of the race. That's why many people plan their 2025 / 2026 calendar around several key stations, from the season opener on the glaciers to the iconic downhills. For orientation: downhill and super-G belong to the "speed" disciplines with high averages and long jumps, while giant slalom and slalom are "technical" disciplines, with two runs and an emphasis on rhythm, weight transfer, and precise line setting. Parallel races bring a one-on-one format on identical courses, and alpine combined links a speed part (downhill or super-G) with one slalom run. All of this makes for a seasonal story that is, for spectators and the sport alike, incomparable to anything else. Thanks to a tradition that spans decades, certain locations have become synonymous with entire disciplines. The Lauberhorn above Wengen and the Streif above Kitzbühel are linked by almost every downhill story; Schladming hosts the most famous night slalom; Sölden on the glacier often kicks off the 2025 / 2026 rhythm through giant slalom duels. Each destination has its own atmosphere, logistics, and ticket structure, so experienced fans follow details about prices, zones, and transport in advance. Who are the "main actors"? In alpine skiing, it's the disciplines. They shape the style, tactics, and what you'll experience along the course. Downhill is a theater of gravity and aerodynamics; super-G requires courage but also "reading" the course in a single run; giant slalom rewards "clean" lines and stability on larger radii; slalom is chess on ice with a lightning-fast rhythm of poles; parallel races raise the fans' pulse through direct duels; and alpine combined shows how important it is to switch from "speed" to "technique." Watching all this live means understanding why FIS races are the heart of winter sports. What the disciplines look like live (a brief overview) Downhill: an explosive start, compressions, jumps, and passes over broken terrain. Super-G: one run, more widely spaced gates than slalom, quick transfers, and "reading" the line without a previous pass. Giant Slalom: wide and clean turns, two runs, often a large number of fans already in the middle of the course. Slalom: short, sharp rhythms and the drama of the second run, often under floodlights. Parallel Races: knockout duels, a sudden change of lead in hundredths of a second. Alpine Combined: a mix of speed and technique on the same day – a winning ticket for an audience that loves contrasts.

Why you should see FIS alpine races live?

 
• Spectacular performance: speeds above 100 km/h in downhill, jumps and steep sections on legendary courses show the limits of the sport; in slalom and giant slalom, you can feel the "impact" of every timely weight transfer.
 
• "Greatest hits" live: the night slalom in Schladming, the iconic downhill on the Lauberhorn and Streif, and the season opener on the glacier have become a "setlist" that every fan wants to "listen" to from the front row.
 
• Energy with the audience: thousands of fans, fan zones, drums, and flags create an atmosphere that television cannot convey; a change in the ranking in the second run of slalom often gets the stadium "on its feet."
 
• Visual and scenic elements: races under floodlights, fan club choreographies, and the choreography of the course itself (jumps, compressions, "S" sections) create a scene that looks like a realized set design.
 
• Audience reactions and reviews: Schladming gathers tens of thousands of people; season openers also attract families; Wengen offers viewpoints along the course and a natural amphitheater above the finish – fans regularly describe the experience as a "mini-festival" on snow.
 
• A review of previous editions: snow and wind dramas, speed records, and historic turnarounds in the second run have built the races' reputation as an experience that is remembered for decades, not just one 2025 / 2026 season.

The closer you get to the course, the better you understand the finesse: in giant slalom, you see the "living geometry" of the turn radius; in super-G, the subtle difference between speed and braking; in downhill, you appreciate the courage, especially in compressions and landings. For the audience, it's a sport without a filter, where the sound of the edges and the roar of the crowd determine the impression. In 2025 / 2026, it's also worth following the evolution of the format. Parallel races are increasingly serving as a "showcase" for fans, and the team concepts of combined bring a new drama – different profiles of skiers in the same "race story." All of this makes watching FIS live a unique and often accessible weekend getaway compared to many other major sporting events in Europe.

FIS alpine races – how to prepare for your "performance" as a spectator?

Choose a discipline according to your temperament. If you're attracted to adrenaline, downhill or super-G will thrill you with their speed and jumps; for pure technique and the "drama" of the second run, slalom and giant slalom are ideal; if you want an equal amount of "sport and show," a night slalom under floodlights has a specific charge. Include the season opener on the glaciers in your 2025 / 2026 calendar – it's usually a giant slalom, with excellent visibility and access to the stands. Previous fan experiences and what a "good plan" means in practice Experienced fans book accommodation in advance in towns near the course (or in valleys with a fast train/gondola). In Wengen (Lauberhorn), cars don't circulate – you arrive by train, and for certain zones, tickets include train transport from a larger hub. In Schladming, parts of the parking lots next to the stadium are closed on race day; arriving by public transport or on foot from the center is often the fastest. For Kitzbühel, the "no stress" approach applies: arrive early, because security checks, fan zones, and the ascent to your chosen spot can take a while. Tickets and price range (examples for orientation, in €) Regular tickets for standing in the finish zone are usually the most affordable, while the prices for stands and VIP packages increase depending on the food, drink, and positioning offered. For example, for the season opener in Sölden, day tickets for standing and two-day combinations are available, with separate tickets for seating in the stands and VIP offers. VIP packages can include separate terraces, gastronomy, and a view of the finish. Schladming, as a "night spectacle," often offers combined VIP packages for two competitions in the same week, with a large price difference between the "silver" and "gold" categories. In Kitzbühel, general standing tickets are sold exclusively in advance online, children up to a certain age often have free entry, and training sessions can be open for no charge – a good opportunity for a 2025 / 2026 family outing. How to find the best spots? The golden rule: choose sections with a change in slope or a characteristic element (jump, "S" combination, compression). In downhill, these are the breaks in the terrain and jumps; in technical disciplines, the turns that "break" the rhythm and the finish line. Stands in the finish arena give you an overview of the results and the skiers' reactions after the run; the edges of the course higher up the hill offer the "pure" sound of the skis and the impression of speed. If you're coming with children, the finish arena offers more convenient access to restrooms and food and drink options. Arrival and logistics 2025 / 2026 For Wengen (Lauberhorn), plan for a train and a transfer; tickets for certain zones may include a return train trip from the main railway hub. In Sölden, a shuttle bus between the town and the glacier is provided on opening days, and it's included in the tickets. In Schladming, check the traffic regulations around the Planai stadium (on race day, some garages and service platforms may be closed), and temporary bus stops and info points operate until the evening. For Kitzbühel, follow the organizer's instructions – on-site sales for the main zones usually don't exist, so buying in advance is standard. What to bring and how to dress? Layered clothing and waterproof shoes are essential; for night races, bring thinner gloves for cheering and thicker ones for when you're standing still. A pocket thermos and a fan hat will "save" you after an hour or two of standing. If you plan to film, bring a power bank; the network often gets congested at peak times, so offline maps and screenshots of the maps are worth gold.

Interesting facts about FIS races you might not have known

 
• Longest downhill: The Lauberhorn near Wengen is almost 4.5 km long with a vertical drop of more than a thousand meters and averages that exceed one hundred. The "Hundschopf" is an iconic steep section that tests control and courage.
 
• Craziest jumps and speeds: The Streif above Kitzbühel is considered the most demanding downhill with slopes up to ~85% and speeds that top skiers can reach up to around 150 km/h – watched from the net along the course, it literally "whistles."
 
• Night under the floodlights: Schladming's Nightrace in the technical disciplines regularly gathers tens of thousands of people – the fan wall of sound under the lights leaves the impression of a football stadium.
 
• Trains, gondolas, and walking routes: The Lauberhorn is a "classroom" of logistics: a car-free village, transfers, and for some ticket categories, a return train is included; the finish zone is also accessible on foot from Wengen.
 
• The "opener" as a family outing: in Sölden, affordable standing tickets are standardly available, with the option to pay extra for a stand or VIP – ideal for a first experience of a 2025 / 2026 FIS competition.
 
• Parallel races and combined: parallel offers direct duels on two identical courses, while alpine combined links the speed and slalom parts – a concept that gives the audience two completely different dynamics in one race.

What to expect on race day?

 
• "Setlist" of the day: course inspection (for technical), start of the first run, course preparation, second run (for slalom/giant slalom), flower ceremony, and prize giving; in speed disciplines, one run decides everything.
 
• Special program points: fan zones next to characteristic sections (jump, compression, "S"), DJ/podiums in the finish arena, occasional plane flyovers or organizer choreographies – it all depends on the 2025 / 2026 location.
 
• Audience: a mix of local and international fans, families, school groups, and fan clubs with drums and flags; in the night slots, the audience is louder and more compact.
 
• Pace and dynamics: in slalom and giant slalom, the second run often changes the ranking; in downhill, the final sections decide the winner in hundredths of a second – it's worth staying until the last bib numbers.
 
• Approximate costs and upgrades: the most affordable entry to the fan zone or standing is in the price range of a movie ticket, stands are a mid-range, and VIP and "lounge" packages offer gastronomic services and terraces with a view – all in line with the 2025 / 2026 budget.

Quick guide to choosing a discipline 2025 / 2026 If your priority is speed and the "wow-effect," choose downhill or super-G. Do you love technique, tactics, and turnarounds? Slalom and giant slalom under the floodlights are a bullseye. Do you want "show" and duels? Parallel races are true "sprint" matinees. If you're with children or going to a FIS competition for the first time, the season opener on the glacier with affordable tickets and organized shuttle lines is an excellent start. How to read tickets and zones? The names of the zones (finish arena, stands, start plateau, "natural stands") differ by location. When buying, look at: the position relative to the key sections (jump, compression, "S"), the distance to the restrooms and food/drink options, and the rules for entry/exit. If you choose VIP, check if the package includes heated spaces, a terrace, a separate entrance, and additional transfers. A small "survival kit" for 2025 / 2026 A paper map of the course, thermal clothing, hand warmers, a power bank, a pad for standing, and a flashlight for night races. In larger crowds, agree on a meeting point if you get separated. For photos or videos, use short clips – batteries last longer, and the best shot often comes unexpectedly. Price examples (for information, in €) For the season opener on the glacier, standing tickets are popular (example: adult price for one race day), two-day combinations for both competitions, stands next to the finish, and VIP packages with food and drink. In Schladming, combined VIP packages are also offered for two technical night races (e.g., "silver" and "gold"), and the price range varies significantly depending on the included benefits. In Kitzbühel, general standing tickets are sold exclusively in advance online, children up to a certain age often have free entry, and training sessions can be open for no charge – useful for fans who want to save money and experience the course without the pressure of the race 2025 / 2026. The FIS 2025 / 2026 calendar offers the possibility for every type of sports lover to find their "scene" – from glacier giant slaloms to night slalom spectacles and iconic speed downhills. It's worth checking tickets and logistics in advance, and the real "key" to the experience is the combination of the discipline you love and the spot on the course that suits you best. Once you feel the speed and rhythm "live," a television broadcast will never look the same again. Iconic locations and how to choose among them 2025 / 2026 If this is your first time at FIS races, a good "entry" into the world of alpine skiing is the opener on the glacier – for example, a giant slalom format with stands next to the finish and well-organized shuttle transport. This type of event allows you to get to the course from a single base and return to the town without a car, and you also have a clear division of zones (standing, stand, VIP) with pre-defined benefits. On the opposite end of the spectrum are the legendary downhills with natural amphitheaters and long arrival routes, where the atmosphere is of a "big festival" on snow – with fan zones, music, and a long day spent along the course. Experience map by discipline Downhill rewards patience and early planning: the best spots are next to the key sections where speed is "laminated" – a jump, compression, change of slope. Super-G requires careful reading of the transitions from faster to slightly narrower gates; spectators are recommended a position above the sections where racers "close" the line. Giant slalom and slalom benefit most from stands: the second run brings turnarounds, and the finish arena is filled with fan props and choreographies. Parallel races are ideal for a one-on-one experience under the floodlights, while alpine combined shows the two extremes of the sport in the same day – speed and technique – which is like two shows in one for the fans. Race week program 2025 / 2026 – how to read the schedule In technical disciplines, the usual rhythm is: first run, then course preparation, then the second run with a "flip" of the ranking among the top thirty from the first run – which means the tension increases towards the end of the day. In speed disciplines, everything happens in one run; training sessions are a separate experience and are often accessible to the public who want to get to know the course before the big day. In the manner of experienced visitors, it's worth planning the evening ceremonies as well: bib draws, award ceremonies, or performances in the fan zones supplement the sports part and make the experience complete. What a "perfect day" along the course looks like Reserve the morning for arrival and positioning. If you choose a natural viewpoint, count on a little walking and check where the "bottlenecks" are (bridges, crossings, switchbacks). Stands offer stability – numbered seats or sectors give you security of movement, and food and drink options and restrooms are closer. During the race, follow the announcements and screens – the split times in key sectors reveal who is "on a lifeline" and who is losing in compressions or skidding. After the finish, stay for the flower ceremony: the live reactions of the skiers and the fan "wall of sound" are the best epilogue to the sporting part of the day 2025 / 2026. Comparison of atmospheres: glacier vs. "classic" The season opener on the glacier brings clarity and a compact audience, often with families and fan clubs. Logistics are simple – a shuttle bus and a clear division of zones – so it's an excellent experience for a first encounter with FIS. On the other hand, the "classics" of the speed disciplines create a special vibe: a long downhill that spills through the forest and alpine meadows, a sea of flags along the fence, local specialties at the stands, and hundreds of volunteers managing the crowd. For 2025 / 2026, it's worth combining at least one technical "night spectacle" and one speed "theater of speed." Accessibility and mobility: practical guidelines 2025 / 2026 Many arenas are designed for an audience that arrives without a car. In mountain towns with limited traffic, trains, funiculars, and shuttle buses are standard. Organizers often publish detailed instructions: included return transfer from a regional hub, recommended routes without long waits, special ramps and sectors for people with disabilities, and the possibility of an escort with discounts. If you're coming with children, check the rules for children's tickets (age limits, free entry for standing) and pay attention to whether additional benefits are offered, such as earlier entry, heated spaces, or viewing areas next to the finish. Budget for 2025 / 2026 – where to save and where to upgrade The most affordable option is typically a standing ticket; two-day combinations for both competitions often offer savings compared to two individual tickets. Stands increase comfort (better view, seating), and VIP packages include food, drink, and heated spaces with terraces. If you want a "premium" experience without a full VIP, there are also intermediate categories (e.g., lounge or "special guest" zones) that offer some of the amenities at a lower price. In night races, it's worth reaching for a stand for better visibility and the dynamics of the lights; in speed disciplines, consider a natural viewpoint next to a characteristic section. Safety and etiquette along the course Respect the fences and the instructions of the stewards – skiers pass at speeds that can surprise even experienced spectators. Avoid standing at the exits of turns and in places where the audience can obstruct the view. Drones are generally not allowed; professional cameras and vibrant fan props are welcome within the organizer's rules. For children, bring earplugs because fan drums and announcements can be loud; also, agree on a meeting point in case you get separated in the crowd. What "reading the course" as a spectator means In downhill and super-G, the key is to recognize the fastest lines: entering a compression at the right angle, absorbing jumps without excessive "air time," and braking at the right moment. In giant slalom, look for places where the rhythm of the gates "breaks" – that's where the differences grow. In slalom, pay attention to the precision of the hands and shoulders: on ice, every wrong dynamic impulse means a hundredth or two of a second. In parallel races, the pleasure is comparing two runs side by side; look for sections where the path "closes" and who returns their skis to the edge faster. Examples of prices and rules 2025 / 2026 (for information, in €) For glacier events, there are typically: one-day standing tickets, two-day combinations, stands, and VIP/lounge offers; the price differences reflect the included shuttle transport, the spot in the stand, and gastronomic services. At iconic speed weeks, the rule often is that general standing tickets are sold exclusively in advance online, children up to a certain age have free entry, and training sessions can be open for no charge – useful for families and larger groups 2025 / 2026. Night technical races can also offer combined VIP packages for two events in the same week, with price ranges depending on the location, terraces, and gastronomy. "Insider" tips for 2025 / 2026 Arrive earlier than you think you need to – security checks, transfers, and short walks to the zones can easily eat up an hour. If it's cold and windy, choose stands with your back to the wind or zones next to the forest. For the mobile network, expect congestion; offline maps and screenshots of the day's program are worth gold. If you want the best shot, don't just hunt for the finish – shots from the "in-between" sectors (jump, compression, "S" combination) often turn out to be more impressive. For evening slots, plan your return: avoid the "peak" after the awards ceremony and postpone your departure by 20–30 minutes, with a warm drink in the fan zone. Why the audience returns – the collective experience FIS weeks are not just sporting events but also social calendars for mountain towns. Squares are filled with stands, fan clubs raise choreographies, DJs and bands keep the rhythm between runs. In technical disciplines, the tension is almost dramatically structured – after the first run, there's a "silence" of preparation, then the explosion of the second run – while in speed disciplines, the entire day "flows" towards those few minutes of truth. That's why spectators keep coming back and why every 2025 / 2026 creates its own, unique story. How the discipline affects ticket choice In downhill, it's worth investing in a position next to a key section or in stands with a good view of the finish line, where it's measured "who left more speed." In super-G, the "one run – everything" increases the importance of visibility, so a stand or a high edge along the course is a good compromise. Giant slalom is a leg burner and a throat warmer – turnarounds in the second run are worth watching from a stand so you can follow every pass and change in the ranking. Slalom under the floodlights rewards the patient: if you want the "stadium" feel, choose the lower sectors and listen as the fan wave raises the temperature from start to finish. Parallel races are best experienced frontally at the part where the courses "close" again – photo-finish moments often decide. Family and group arrangements 2025 / 2026 If you're coming with children or a larger crew, aim for events with clear packages: discounts for young people, children's tickets, the possibility of group purchases, or special sectors for fan clubs. Training sessions for speed disciplines are sometimes open for no charge and are an excellent "test ground" before the main race – you'll see the course, try out the transfer, and choose the ideal spot for the "main day." For groups, it's practical to agree on a starting point and spread out by zones; join the fan zone earlier to grab a good position along the fence without a crowd. Extra tips for equipment and the day's rhythm Layered clothing with a wind- and waterproof jacket, non-slip shoes, and a thin backpack are standard for 2025 / 2026. A fan hat, a neck gaiter, and hand warmers make a difference when the temperature drops below zero – especially in the evening. For filming, bring a power bank and memory; short video clips are better than "marathon" recordings. If you're in a stand, stick to your sector and avoid unnecessary movement during the runs – the experience is better for you and for those around you. In natural zones, protect yourself from snow and ice spray – fan goggles are not "fashion," but practicality.

FIS alpine races – how to prepare for your "performance" in 2025 / 2026?

Preparation for the FIS alpine races in 2025 / 2026 begins with choosing a discipline and location that suits your taste and budget. If you love fast shots and a long "view" of the course, downhill and super-G will reward you with jumps, compressions, and high averages. Do you want turnarounds and tactics? Giant slalom and slalom bring a double dose of tension through two runs, and parallel races create the tension of direct duels on identical courses. Alpine combined links the "worlds" of speed and technique in the same day, which is attractive for those who want a more complex experience. Planning for 2025 / 2026 also includes logistics: transport to the mountain town, transfer to the course, and rules for entry and zones. In some arenas, arrival by train and shuttle is encouraged, which makes movement easier on days with closed roads and large crowds. For technical disciplines, it's recommended to arrive early, so you can grab a good position in the stands or along the fence just above the sections with a change in rhythm. For speed disciplines, it's a "hunt" for the characteristic points – jumps, changes in slope, and compressions – where you'll get the best sense of speed and courage. Tickets and budget 2025 / 2026 – how to read the categories The typical division includes standing (fan zones, natural viewpoints), stands (numbered or sector seats), and VIP and lounge offers (heated spaces, terraces, food and drink). For the season opener on the glacier, one-day and two-day combinations for both competitions are popular, with separate stands and multiple levels of VIP. At "classic" speed weeks, the rule is often that general tickets are sold in advance and exclusively online, while training sessions are open for no charge – which gives families and groups a chance to experience the course without the crowd of the "main day." In night technical slots, stands significantly increase visibility and the experience of the light effects, and in speed disciplines, a good natural viewpoint can even surpass some of the stand views. Price ranges in 2025 / 2026 go from affordable standing entries (often on the level of a movie ticket) to mid-range stands, and all the way to VIP with included gastronomy and privileged views. Some destinations also introduce intermediate categories like "special guest" or lounge zones, which offer some of the VIP amenities at a lower price. For families, children's benefits and discounts are often offered, and sometimes training sessions are free – an excellent option for a first encounter with a "big" downhill or giant slalom. Previous experiences at iconic locations 2025 / 2026 Compare three different scenarios: a glacier with clear shuttle transport and a clear finish arena; a technical night spectacle with a fan "wall of sound"; and a legendary speed weekend with a multi-day program, a marathon of fan activities, and natural amphitheaters along the course. Each format has a specific day dynamic: technical disciplines offer a "second run" as the final climax, while a speed downhill compresses all the emotions into a single run – ideal for those who love "pure" drama without a replay. How to find the best spots in 2025 / 2026 In technical disciplines, look for stands with a view of the key changes in rhythm and the finish line. Along the fence, it's worth standing a little above the "bottlenecks" – places where the skis "cut" the ice the hardest and where the audience hears the edges "whistle." In downhill and super-G, aim for the breaks, jumps, and compressions; the goal-line isn't the only "stage," it's often more dramatic along the section where speed is built or "lost." In parallel races, the best shot is frontal to the part where the courses "close" again because photo-finish moments decide everything. Transport and arrival – a smart strategy 2025 / 2026 Many places are planned for arrival without a car: trains to the alpine switchbacks, shuttle buses to the course, and walking routes to the sectors. In some arenas, return transfers are included in the ticket price, which makes the day's rhythm easier and frees you from worrying about parking. For night slots, also check for late departures – it's useful to stay 20–30 minutes after the awards ceremony, when the crowd "thins out" and transfers become faster. What to bring – equipment for cheering Layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, sturdy non-slip shoes, and a thin backpack are the basis of comfort. In your hand, hold a fan hat, warmers, and a neck gaiter; in your pocket, a power bank for your mobile – the network at peak times is often congested, so offline maps and screenshots of the day's program become a "lifesaver." For children, it's good to have earplugs; fan drums and announcements in the finish arena can be loud.

Interesting facts about FIS races you might not have known

 
• Logistical "gems": there are races where the ticket also includes a return transfer by train from a regional hub to the mountain town – the audience gets a car-free rhythm, and the organizer relieves traffic.
 
• Glacier kickoff: the season opener on the glacier is known for its clear division of zones and shuttle buses between the town and the course; that's why many families plan their first 2025 / 2026 FIS weekend there.
 
• Night "stadium": the most famous night slaloms attract thousands of fans, with stands that create the impression of a football stadium and fan club choreographies.
 
• Training sessions as a "secret tip": in speed weeks, training sessions are sometimes open for no charge, which allows families and groups to get to know the course, the transfer, and the viewpoints before the main race.
 
• VIP multiple levels: in addition to classic VIP, there are also lounge or "special guest" categories, often with heated spaces, terraces, and gastronomy – useful when you want comfort without the full "premium" price 2025 / 2026.

Approximate guide to prices 2025 / 2026 (in €) – for orientation In practice, several typical scenarios are encountered. For glacier openers, the standard is one-day standing tickets in the range of a few tens of euros, two-day combinations that offer savings, stands around the mid-range, and VIP/lounge offers at multiple levels; shuttle transport from town to course is often included. At iconic speed weeks, adult general tickets start from the lower tens of euros, children up to a certain age often have free entry, and training sessions are open for no charge; sales are mostly exclusively in advance. Night technical spectacles have a wide range – from basic entry, to stands, to multi-day VIP packages – and the price depends on the location, comfort, and gastronomic services. Keep in mind that prices differ by zone, visibility, and included services 2025 / 2026. "Setlist" of the race day – what exactly you're watching In technical disciplines, the schedule usually looks like this: first run, course preparation, then the second run with a "flip" of the ranking among the top thirty from the first run. That's why the second run is magnetic – every pass can change the ranking. In downhill and super-G, one run decides everything, so every second along the course is "denser." In parallel formats, you follow the knockout duels; a detail worth watching is how skiers "close" the line and how quickly they return the edge after a jump. Audience 2025 / 2026 – who comes and how they cheer A mix of local and international fans, families, school groups, fan clubs with drums and flags. At the glaciers, the atmosphere is "family-friendly," in night technical slots it's louder and more compact, and at speed weeks it's festival-like: a long day on the snow, mountain specialties at the stands, and the peak of adrenaline in a few minutes of "the real thing." Fans often follow several stations in 2025 / 2026 and combine technical and speed disciplines to catch the different "faces" of the World Cup. Safety and etiquette along the course Respect the fences, movement lines, and the instructions of the stewards. Drones are generally forbidden, and professional equipment is allowed with organizer restrictions. In natural zones, be careful of snow and ice spray from turns. If you're touring multiple sectors with children, agree on a clear "meeting point" and return time to avoid wandering in the crowd.

FIS alpine races – how to prepare for your "performance" in 2025 / 2026?

Plan your tickets in advance: standing is the most affordable, stands offer an overview and comfort, and VIP/lounge packages bring heated spaces and terraces with a direct view of the finish. If you want a balance, a great combination is a stand and a short tour along the course above a characteristic section – that way, you "catch" both the emotion of speed and the euphoria of the finish. Before you arrive, follow the organizer's announcements: program changes, safety rules, transport instructions, and the schedule of fan zones. In your backpack, pack layered clothing, a fan hat, goggles, warmers, a power bank, and a pad for standing. For night slots, add a small flashlight and "cheering" gloves. Special moments – "best live performances" from previous editions In downhill, the audience remembers most the sections with steep breaks and jumps where the winner is decided in hundredths of a second. In slalom, these are the runs when someone with a double-digit bib number "catches" a perfect line in the second run and makes it to the podium. In glacier giant slalom, fans remember the "clean" lines in the upper steep section and the big changes in the lower sectors; in the parallel format, the adrenaline blitz of one-on-one leads to a collective shout from the entire stadium.

What to expect on race day 2025 / 2026?

 
• Schedule: morning arrival and positioning, first run (or the only one in speed disciplines), a break and course preparation, second run for technical disciplines, flower ceremony, and prize giving.
 
• Special performances: fan choreographies, DJ performances in fan zones, announcements and interviews over the loudspeaker, occasional demonstration runs by local clubs or promotional brand points.
 
• Food and drink: mountain specialties at stands, warm drinks and "quick bites" in the finish arena; in VIP and lounge zones, warmth, terraces, and gastronomic services are standard.
 
• Audience: a mix of local and international fans, families, tourists, and local snow lovers – in night slots, the audience is more compact and louder, and in speed disciplines, it's "spread out" along the long course.
 
• Cost breakdown: basic entry is in the range of a few tens of euros; stands are mid-range; VIP and lounge with included services are significantly higher – all depending on the zone and the offer 2025 / 2026.

Practical "checklist" for 2025 / 2026 Ticket and identification document, offline map of the town and course, transport confirmations (train/shuttle), layered clothing and non-slip shoes, fan hat, warmers, sunglasses or fan goggles, power bank, pad for standing, a bottle for a warm drink. If you plan to be outdoors for several hours, organize short "micro-breaks" during course preparation – warm up and refresh, then return to your spot in time. Examples of information and prices 2025 / 2026 (in €) – for orientation For a glacier opener, expect several categories: standing, two-day combinations, stands, and VIP/lounge levels – basic tickets are most often in the range of a few tens of euros, stands a higher amount, and VIP packages multiple times more, with included shuttle to the course. At speed classics, adult general tickets start from the low tens of euros, children up to a certain age often have free entry, and training sessions are open for no charge; sales are mostly exclusively in advance. Night technical races can also offer multi-day VIP packages; the price depends on the terrace, heated spaces, and gastronomy. Also, check for special discounts (e.g., people with disabilities with an escort) that some organizers offer. How to "read" the results along the course In technical disciplines, focus on the splits in key sectors – that's where commentators often announce a "green" or "red" relative to the leader. In downhill and super-G, speed is built and lost on the break and in compression; watch how the skier "absorbs" the terrain and how much "air time" they spend on a jump. In the parallel format, compare the two runs – who returns the edge faster and who "washes" away less speed in short transitions. The bridge to the next FIS weekend 2025 / 2026 Once you discover the discipline and type of arena that suits you best, it will be easier to plan the next stop. A combination of one technical spectacle under the floodlights and one speed classic with natural viewpoints gives you a "full album" of the World Cup experience, and the budget can be fine-tuned from standing to VIP, depending on the zone, location, and included services. That's the magic of 2025 / 2026: the same sport, yet so many different scenes, rhythms, and perspectives that the audience can experience from the front row – along the course or from the stands.