Südtirol Gardenissima: Getting The Best From The World’s Longest Giant Slalom

Published by Mountainblog on 03/15/2016.

Super G skis, the right head and eye protection, curved poles and fluoro wax: technical advice on getting the most from an Alpine skiing race as tough as the Südtirol Gardenissima which marks the close of the Val Gardena skiing season on April 2.

There is now less than a month to go to April 2 and that means that the Südtirol Gardenissima and the end of the Val Gardena skiing season are both getting seriously close. Any training you can do now has to be honed to perfection. Having worked so hard to lay the foundations for success throughout the winter, you’ll need to arrive at the start line of this long slalom with the very best of specialist equipment.

Super G skis for a giant slalom to remember
Anyone that breathes the intoxicating air of the Dolomites all year round and has grown up with the Südtirol Gardenissima will advise you to avoid giant slalom skis and instead go for Super G versions because the extra seconds you might shave off in the first stretch of the giant slalom can easily be lost in the final one where what you really need is improved glide. So the perfect solution is Junior Super G skis of between 190 cm and 195 cm. They have enough flex to play on the bends and a 28 – 34-metre radius – in other words, you’ll be able to tackle the Südtirol Gardenissima’s big curves beautifully.

Ski with your head
Another pivotal factor in such a long, challenging race is taking care of your head, absolutely essential if you’re to hang in there for six kilometres. If you want to ski in absolute safety, then you’ll need an approved yet aerodynamic helmet, possibly fibreglass. Do not go for helmets with an incorporated visor. Vision-wise, we don’t recommend using sunglasses. It’s better to opt for aerodynamic goggles with mid-light coloured or, better still, polarised lens to give you a clear view even in the final stretch where the light dims because of the surrounding woods. You’ll also be exhausted by then and that can play nasty tricks on you so every little helps.

Curved poles and fluoro wax
The length of the run and the incredible physical toll it will take can mean you’ll be feeling a little out of it and so even the tiniest detail can really be vital to your performance. That includes using curved ski poles which you’ll be able to keep close to your body, thereby avoiding knocking against the gates. Lastly, there will be spring weather on April 2 and seasoned skiers recommend a high performance fluoro wax: 100% fluoro is best – apply three layers after rubbing it well with granular snow.