The Nightrace in Schladming

The Nightrace in Schladming on January 24, 2023

Once a year, Schladming becomes the scene of what is probably the most spectacular ski race in the World Cup winter: with up to 45,000 ski fans and a ski party that cannot be topped anywhere in the world, THE Nightrace has become an integral part of the World Cup. The Planai Stadium is transformed into a witch's cauldron as soon as the first athlete throws himself out of the start house onto the floodlit slope. Here, skiers, the service team and ski fans alike turn night into day – you definitely shouldn't miss it!

Program:
17:45 – THE Nightrace, 1st round
20:45 – THE Nightrace, 2nd round
followed by the award ceremony in the Planai finish area
Subject to program changes!

The Nightrace – How it all started!

The beginnings of the legendary Nightrace Schladming go back more than 20 years. In January 1995, Schladming was set as a fixed date in the World Cup calendar. Just two years later, on January 30, 1997, the starting signal for a new era in Schladming was given. The first World Cup night slalom was held on the finish slope of the Planai in front of around 27,000 fans of skiing.

But this was only the beginning. From now on, more and more fans made the pilgrimage to Schladming year after year to be part of the unique event. At the latest in 1999, when Benni Raich was the first Austrian to secure victory in the trembling Planai Stadium, the night race developed into a top-class ski spectacle.

In addition to the number of visitors, the names that made their way into the history books of the Schladming Nightrace also grew. The Austrian ski legend Benni Raich was at the forefront and was able to secure a total of four victories, two second places and one third place.