Der weiße Rausch

What comes to mind when you hear the title "The White Thrill"? For me, this phrase is an intriguing puzzle. What does it mean? There's the familiar phrase "white splendor". And "white gold" is also well-known. In both cases, it's about what every guest needs and seeks in winter: Snow! Snow-covered mountain landscapes! Perfect slopes! That much is clear.

But why thrill? Something else must come into play. Perhaps the beauty of the landscapes at the Arlberg is intoxicating? Or maybe one feels a bit exhilarated after venturing onto the après-ski slopes at night? Yes, that may be. But that's not what this is about. It's about a very special challenge.

It's about an event that has been a certainty at the end of the season in St. Anton am Arlberg for many years. A ski race? Yes and no. Because "The White Thrill" is something more, or at least something different.

Here, skiers and snowboarders meet annually to race down into the valley simultaneously. And not just any slope, but one that really challenges them. One that makes you sweat just thinking about the sheer numbers and facts. At least for hobby athletes who don't do this every day. Are you ready? For a descent from the highest point of the ski area?

Well then: Off from the Vallugagrat. Everyone at the start. All 555 participants. The participants' hearts must surely be pounding, as a spectacular 1,300 meters in altitude awaits them.

The mass start is mainly about getting down safely. Everyone is exhausted, with a record time of 7 minutes and 40.6 seconds hinting at the length of the course. Right after the start, a 150 m long hill, the so-called "Mountain of Pain," must be conquered, aptly named, it seems. Nomen es omen, so to speak.

__Who is this for? __

Hard to say, but it's clear that top athletes and hobbyists face off here. Essentially, it's for anyone crazy enough to dare THIS slope and complete THIS course. The course is tough, but the joy of reaching the bottom will surely be immense. The time is secondary, with a good average being between 11 and 18 minutes.

And even if it takes you a bit longer: You can be sure that you'll be enthusiastically cheered when you reach the bottom. You'll be heroes and watched by the spectators on LED screens in the finish area. Hero for a day, for a few minutes. That much you can be sure of. At the subsequent award ceremony and the big "White Thrill Party," you can celebrate and be celebrated. Because not everyone dares to race down these slopes.

So, how does that sound? Good? Then head to "The White Thrill" at the Arlberg in St. Anton. Because only those who have really been there will truly experience this "thrill." This special mix of euphoria, happiness, and exhaustion. That's something. And maybe something for you too.

What comes to mind when you hear the title "The White Thrill"? For me, this phrase is an intriguing puzzle. What does it mean? There's the familiar phrase "white splendor". And "white gold" is also well-known. In both cases, it's about what every guest needs and seeks in winter: Snow! Snow-covered mountain landscapes! Perfect slopes! That much is clear.

But why thrill? Something else must come into play. Perhaps the beauty of the landscapes at the Arlberg is intoxicating? Or maybe one feels a bit exhilarated after venturing onto the après-ski slopes at night? Yes, that may be. But that's not what this is about. It's about a very special challenge.