ISMF Youth World Cup Season Wraps Up with Exciting Finale

ISMF Youth World Cup Season Wraps Up with Exciting Finale

Media Information

ISMF Youth World Cup Season Wraps Up with Exciting Finale

Lausanne, 19 March 2024 – As the snow settles on another exhilarating season of ski mountaineering, the International Ski Mountaineering Federation (ISMF) Youth World Cup bids adieu to a series of thrilling races across Europe. The season culminated in an electrifying final in Molde, Norway, where young athletes showcased their prowess in sprint, vertical, individual, and mixed relay events. Let’s take a closer look at the highlights and champions of this year’s competition and the overall season rankings for the next generation of skimo stars.

U20 Men: Debertolis Dominates, Raybaud Shines

In the fiercely contested U20 men’s category, Hermann Debertolis from Italy emerged as the overall champion, demonstrating remarkable consistency throughout the season. Despite securing six silver medals and one gold this season in Youth World Cups, Debertolis’ exceptional performances propelled him to the top spot. However, the French prodigy Jules Raybaud wasn’t far behind, clinching second place with an impressive tally of three gold medals and one silver. Leonardo Vicenzo Taufer from Italy secured the third position, showcasing the competitiveness of the field.

U20 Women: Trincaz Triumphs with Consistency

Consistency proved to be the key for Louise Trincaz of France in the U20 women’s category. With three golds, three silvers, and one bronze, Trincaz claimed the overall victory, demonstrating her versatility across different race formats. Lea Ancion Havet from Andorra secured the second position, while Loanne Roussillon from France rounded off the podium in third place.

U18 Men: Pellegrini Prevails in Close Battle

In the U18 men’s division, Enrico Pellegrini of Italy emerged victorious in a closely contested battle. With one gold, two silvers, and one bronze medal, Pellegrini showcased his tenacity and skill on the slopes. He narrowly edged out Switzerland’s Malik Uldry, who secured the second position with two golds and one silver. Luca Curioni from Italy claimed the third spot, underscoring Italy’s dominance in this category.

U18 Women: Marca’s Consistency Pays Off

Vanessa Marca of Italy clinched the title in the U18 women’s category, despite only securing two medals throughout the season. Marca’s consistent top-five finishes in almost every race propelled her to victory, highlighting the importance of perseverance in ski mountaineering. Laia Selles from Spain, the current European champion across all three disciplines, secured the second position, while Silvia Boscacci from Italy claimed the bronze.

Mixed Relay Ranking: France Reigns Supreme

In the fiercely contested Mixed Relay ranking, France emerged as the overall winner of the season. With a gold in the Mixed Relay in Italy and a silver in Norway, France’s talented young athletes showcased their prowess on the international stage. Spain secured the second position, followed by Andorra in third place. Italy and Switzerland rounded off the top five, underscoring the strong presence of European nations in ski mountaineering.

As the curtains close on another thrilling season of ski mountaineering, these young athletes have left an indelible mark on the sport with their talent, determination, and sportsmanship. With eyes set on the future, the ISMF Youth World Cup continues to inspire the next generation of ski mountaineers to reach for the summit of their dreams.

Italy dominates de Nations Ranking

Italy’s dominant performance in the ISMF Youth World Cup season is reflected not only in individual athlete achievements but also in the Youth Nations rankings. With an impressive total of 2699 points and 25 medals, Italy emerged as the undisputed champion, showcasing the depth of talent within its youth ski mountaineering team. From podium finishes to consistent performances across all disciplines, Italian athletes have consistently demonstrated their prowess on the international stage, cementing their status as a powerhouse in the sport.

Switzerland secured the second position in the Youth Nations rankings, accumulating 2209 points and claiming 11 medals throughout the season. The Swiss team showcased formidable skill and determination, remaining a strong contender in the competition. With a blend of experienced athletes and promising newcomers, Switzerland continues to uphold its reputation as a force to be reckoned with in ski mountaineering.

Spain rounded off the podium in the Youth Nations rankings, securing third place with 2029 points and 8 medals. Despite facing tough competition from other nations, Spanish athletes exhibited resilience and talent, earning recognition for their achievements on the global stage. As the sport continues to grow in popularity, Spain’s presence in the top ranks of the Youth Nations standings highlights the country’s commitment to fostering young talent and promoting ski mountaineering excellence.

Join “Whereabouts – All your questions answered” – ITA Monthly Webinar on 25/03

 

ITA monthly webinar of March will be dedicated to “Whereabouts – All your questions answered”.

Understanding what it means to be in a testing pool is critical for all athletes belonging to Registered Pools or Testing Pools. This webinar is designed to help athletes understand their responsibilities related to this, and to answer questions regarding submitting Whereabouts information. With the help of two expert panellists (Olympian Tracey Lambrechs, who was part of a testing pool in weightlifting for many years, and Kate Hovrjaka, ITA Athlete Support Officer), athletes’ questions on this topic will be addressed.

You can submit your questions in advance through the registration page. During the event as many themes as possible will be tackled.

Here below the details of this session:

Topic: Whereabouts – All your questions answered

Registration link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dm6Y8oC7RMq7p00q2U-r2g#/registration

Event date: Monday 25 March, 14:00 – 15:00 CET

Panellists:

  • Tracey Lambrechs, OLY – Rio 2016 Olympian, Commonwealth Games Weightlifting Medallist
  • Kate Hovrjaka, ITA Athlete Support Officer

Moderator: Mairi Irvine, ITA Education Team

As usual, the webinar will be delivered in English with simultaneous translation to four additional languages: Arabic, Spanish, French and Russian.

The ISMF kindly recommends a large participation of delegates from National Members, coaches, athletes and support personnel, and a widespread dissemination of this communication.

Thank you in advance for joining us!

 

About the ISMF:

Founded in 2007, the ISMF is the global governing body for competitive ski mountaineering. Since 2016, the organisation has been officially recognised by the International Olympic Committee. Its main goals are the promotion, regulation and development of the sport of ski mountaineering worldwide. Based in Lausanne, Switzerland, the ISMF’s membership consists of 49 national federations located in Americas, Asia, Europe and Oceania. The ISMF organizes ski mountaineering Senior and Youth World Cups, as well as Masters and World Championships. For the first time, ski mountaineering was a medal sport at the 2020 Youth Olympic Games in Lausanne, Switzerland, and has been included in the programme of the 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympic Winter Games.

For more info www.ismf-ski.org
Follow us live on:
TW @ISMFSkimo
FB @ismf.ski
IG @ismf_skimo
YT @ISMFSkimo

ISMF media office
press@ismf-ski.org
federal_press@ismf-ski.org

China Claims Historic Victory in Molde ISMF Youth World Cup Mixed Relay

Media Information

China Claims Historic Victory in Molde ISMF Youth World Cup Mixed Relay

Lausanne, 17 March 2024 –  The final day of competition at the ISMF Youth World Cup in Molde, Norway, concluded with an exhilarating display of teamwork and talent in the Mixed Relay event. Teams comprised of one male and one female athlete from each country battled it out on the challenging course, but it was China who emerged victorious, securing their first-ever victory for the Asian country in this type of race.

Led by two golden medallists from earlier events in Molde, Bu Luer and Cidan Yuzhan, Team China showcased their commitment and investment in the sport, delivering a stellar performance that highlighted their growing presence on the international stage.

Despite fierce competition from the rest of the field, Team France, represented by Louise Trincaz and Jules Raybaud, demonstrated remarkable skills, crossing the finish line a mere 12 seconds behind the leaders to claim the silver medal.

Meanwhile, the home crowd had reason to celebrate as Team Norway, featuring Ida Waldal and Aaron Rodal Haugen, secured the bronze medal. Their performance mirrored their achievement at the European Championships in the Youth category, reaffirming their status as formidable contenders in the sport.

The Mixed Relay proved once again that is one of the most thrilling and exciting formats, ready to make its debut at the 2026  Winter Olympic Games in Milano Cortina. As the sun set on the picturesque Norwegian landscape, spectators were treated to a thrilling conclusion to an action-packed tournament.

With China making history with their first Mixed Relay victory and teams from across the globe showcasing their skills, the Molde ISMF Youth World Cup served as a testament to the growing popularity and competitiveness of ski mountaineering on the international stage.

Luer, Curioni, Yuzhen and Waldal Shine on Thrilling Third Day of ISMF Youth World Cup in Molde

Media Information

Luer, Curioni, Yuzhen and Waldal Shine on Thrilling Third Day of ISMF Youth World Cup in Molde

Lausanne, 16 March 2024 –  On the third day of the ISMF Youth World Cup in Molde, Norway, excitement reached its peak as individual races took center stage for both the U20 and U18 categories. Participants faced a technically challenging course amidst ideal weather and snow conditions in the picturesque Norwegian mountains.

In the Men’s U20 category, Bu Luer of China emerged victorious, showcasing his prowess as one of the standout young athletes of the year. Hermann Debertolis from Italy secured second place, with Silvano Wolf of Austria claiming the bronze. Noteworthy performances also came from Leonardo Vicenzo Taufer (ITA) and Griffin Briley (USA), who rounded off the top 5 with commendable efforts.

The Women’s U20 race saw local favorite Ida Waldal of Norway electrify the crowd by clinching the gold medal, crossing the finish line with over a two-minute lead. Louise Trincaz (FRA) secured the silver, while her compatriot Louanne Rousillon took home the bronze.

In the Men’s U18 category, Luca Curioni of Italy, the reigning European champion of individual races, added another feather to his cap by claiming victory. Elias Peer from Austria celebrated his first international podium with a silver medal, while Theo Voutaz of France secured the bronze.

Meanwhile, in the Women’s U18 category, Cidan Yuzhen of China continued her dominance, securing her second gold medal of the event after previously triumphing in the vertical race. Laia Selles from Spain, the current European Champion, settled for the silver medal, while Klara Velepec of Slovenia earned the bronze.

Overall, the third day of competition at the ISMF Youth World Cup in Molde showcased exceptional talent and fierce competition across all categories, leaving spectators eagerly anticipating the remaining events of the tournament.

Patrouille des Glaciers ready to host the ISMF-LGC World Championships Long Distance Team 2023/24

 

Media Information

 

Patrouille des Glaciers ready to host the ISMF-LGC World Championships Long Distance Team 2023/24

 

Lausanne, 15 March 2024 – Jointly with the Local Organising Committee, the ISMF is glad to confirm the ISMF-LGC World Championships Long Distance Team 2023/24, Patrouille des Glaciers, which will be held on 20 April 2024 in Zermatt-Verbier, Switzerland.

 

Technical information

Participation requirements:

  • Compulsory ISMF Elite Licence (licence A)
  • Compulsory LGC Card: 30,00 €/athlete

 

Registration fee:

  • Team (3 athletes): 1680 CHF.
  • Accommodation is included in the registration fee. It will be provided for the night between 19 and 20 April 2024. The teams taking part in the WCH will be informed about the hotel name during the material check to be done in Zermatt. The selected hotel facilities will be located in Zermatt.

 

Registration & payment:

  • Registration at https://www.mso.swiss/en/events/1966-patrouille-des-glaciers/subscriptions – you should select the ISMF event which will be present in the list.
  • Payment: it will be held at the same time of online registration on the MSO website (at the link above)
  • Registration period for the WCH LDT: from 10 to 17 April 2024. The link above will be active from 10 April.
  • Important note – if a team has already registered for the WCH LDT when registration process for the Patrouille des Glaciers was open: it is compulsory to write the first and last names of the athletes composing the team and the name of the team to ponzo@ismf-ski.org no later than 17 April 2024.

 

Teams’ composition:

  • The team must be composed of athletes of the same nationality and gender.
  • The composition of the teams is already definitive at the time of registration.
  • There will be one last chance to change the team composition (in exceptional cases) only on Friday 19 April 2024 from 10:00 to 12:00 directly in Zermatt, at the race office.

 

Quotas (as per ISMF Rules & Guidelines 2023/24 – page 144):

  • 3 teams Senior M per nation
  • 3 teams Senior W per nation
  • Bonus granted by the ISMF-LGC WCH LDT of last year as follows:
  • France for Women
  • Italy for Men

 

Programme of the event:

  • Please refer to: https://www.pdg.ch/en/program/
  • Most important appointments:
  • Opening Ceremony (Friday 19/04 – h. 18:00 – Church in Zermatt): the participation is highly recommended for all delegations with all athletes
  • Team Captain Meeting – Technical Briefing (Friday 19/04 – h. 18:30 – Church in Zermatt): the participation of at least one coach/one athlete/one representative person of each participating nation is highly recommended. At the end of the TCM there will be a short meeting only with the coaches of the teams participating in the WCH LDT to discuss any further details that could arise.
  • Award Ceremony (Saturday 20/04 – h. 14:15): the presence in person of the athletes who should be awarded is compulsory.

 

Accommodation:

  • Please see above at the point “Registration fee”

 

For any additional information please refer to the event’s website at: https://www.pdg.ch/en/.

 

About the ISMF:

Founded in 2007, the ISMF is the global governing body for competitive ski mountaineering. Since 2016, the organisation has been officially recognised by the International Olympic Committee. Its main goals are the promotion, regulation and development of the sport of ski mountaineering worldwide. Based in Lausanne, Switzerland, the ISMF’s membership consists of 49 national federations located in Americas, Asia, Europe and Oceania. The ISMF organizes ski mountaineering Senior and Youth World Cups, as well as Masters and World Championships. For the first time, ski mountaineering was a medal sport at the 2020 Youth Olympic Games in Lausanne, Switzerland, and has been included in the programme of the 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympic Winter Games.

 

For more info www.ismf-ski.org
Follow us live on:
TW @ISMFSkimo
FB @ismf.ski
IG @ismf_skimo
YT @ISMFSkimo

ISMF media office
press@ismf-ski.org
federal_press@ismf-ski.org

 

Two golds for Spain on the second day of competition at the Molde ISMF Youth World Cup 

Media Information

Two golds for Spain on the second day of competition at the Molde ISMF Youth World Cup

Julia Pujol, Erola Rocias, Jules Raybaud and Eva Matejovicova claim victories on the sprint race

Lausanne, 15 March 2024 – The second day of competition at the ISMF Youth World Cup in Molde, Norway, saw over 100 young ski-mountaineering athletes from 17 nations converge for a thrilling sprint race that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. With fierce competition and stunning performances, the event showcased the depth of talent among the world’s youth with Spain (with two gold medals), France and the Czech Republic on top of the podium .

In the U18 men’s category, Julia Pujol of Spain continued his impressive form, securing his second gold medal of the season after a stellar performance in Italy a month ago. Pujol’s victory solidified his status as one of the brightest young talents in sprint races. Local hero Aron Rodal Haugen of Norway thrilled the crowd with a silver medal finish, while Enrico Pellegrini of Italy added another podium to his season tally with a bronze medal.

The U18 women’s race witnessed a historic moment as Erola Rocias of Spain claimed her first-ever international podium, clinching the gold medal with a sensational display of power. Klara Velepec of Slovenia secured the silver medal, while Cidan Yuzhen of China took home the bronze. However, it was a surprising turn of events as European champion Laia Selles of Spain failed to advance to the final, finishing in 7th place.

In the U20 men’s division, Jules Raybaud of France showcased his dominance of the sprint race, earning the gold medal with a commanding performance. Hermann Debertolis of Italy captured the silver medal, while Max Palmitjavilla of Andorra secured the bronze, adding to the excitement of the competition.

The U20 women’s race saw Eva Matejovicova of the Czech Republic emerge victorious, displaying her exceptional talent and earning the gold medal. Local favorite Ida Waldal of Norway delighted the home crowd with a silver medal finish, while Louise Trincaz of France claimed the bronze.

 

The last WÜRTH MODYF ISMF World Cup of the season 2023/24 is confirmed in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

 

Media Information

 

The last WÜRTH MODYF ISMF World Cup of the season 2023/24 is confirmed in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

 

Lausanne, 14 March 2024 – Jointly with the Local Organising Committee, the ISMF is pleased to confirm the race event to be held in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, from 6 to 10 April 2024.

 

The programme of the event is available on the event website.

 

Technical information:

Registration:

The registration process for the Cortina World Cup races will be open until Wednesday 27 March 2024 at h. 23:59 CET. After that date, registrations will be no longer possible.

The ISMF kindly reminds that, as per ISMF rules and guidelines 2023/24, late registration will not be possible this season.

You can register your athletes at the following link: www.dataskimo.org by clicking on the “Registration” button in the top menu bar.

Before registering in any ISMF World Cup or Championships, athletes must have their own valid ISMF licence. You can check the current valid licences here.

In case of any issue in the registration process do not hesitate to contact the ISMF Office at valeria.ponzo@ismf-ski.org – +39 334 7022775.

The final composition of the teams for the Mixed Relay race should be communicated on the WhatsApp group named “Cortina WC – National Teams” (to be created soon) no later than Tuesday 9 April 2024 at 12:00 CEST.

 

Accommodation:

Hotels available as follows:

Hotel rates do not include the city tax, which has to be paid at the check-out.

Please fill in the form  at this link (to be downloaded and filled in on your computer) to make your reservation. It should be sent directly to the selected hotel. Thank you!

Please note that reservations should be made no later than 17 March 2024. Any changes to bookings after this date may incur penalties.

 

Accreditation:

ISMF National Members are expressly requested to complete the form at this link (to be downloaded and filled in on your computer) to apply for accreditation in advance. Thank you! It is only necessary to fill it out for coaches, accompanying personnel, doctors, etc. It is not necessary to indicate the names of the athletes.

If the drop-down menu does not show the role you play within your federation, you can write it in the column “Other”. Thank you!

For any other persons (e.g., ISMF Manufacturers Pool Members, sponsors, photographers, journalists, etc.) please indicate your role in the column “Other” in the same form linked above. Thank you!

The form (duly completed with the required information) should be sent to the following email address as soon as possible: race.office@cortinaskimocup.com.

 

About the ISMF:

Founded in 2007, the ISMF is the global governing body for competitive ski mountaineering. Since 2016, the organisation has been officially recognised by the International Olympic Committee. Its main goals are the promotion, regulation and development of the sport of ski mountaineering worldwide. Based in Lausanne, Switzerland, the ISMF’s membership consists of 49 national federations located in Americas, Asia, Europe and Oceania. The ISMF organizes ski mountaineering Senior and Youth World Cups, as well as Masters and World Championships. For the first time, ski mountaineering was a medal sport at the 2020 Youth Olympic Games in Lausanne, Switzerland, and has been included in the programme of the 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympic Winter Games.

 

For more info www.ismf-ski.org
Follow us live on:
TW @ISMFSkimo
FB @ismf.ski
IG @ismf_skimo
YT @ISMFSkimo

ISMF media office
press@ismf-ski.org
federal_press@ismf-ski.org

 

Golden day for Italy, China, USA and Norway in Molde

Media Information

Golden day for Italy, China, USA and Norway in Molde

Pellegrini, Yuzhen, Briley and Waldal claim the victory on the vertical race in the first day of competition of the ISMF Youth World Cup

Lausanne, 14 March 2024 – The final stage of the 2024 ISMF Youth World Cup season started in Molde, Norway, with a breathtaking vertical race that showcased the talent and determination of the new generation of talented young ski-mountaineering athletes from around the globe. Hosted in the picturesque Norwegian landscape, the event attracted 100 athletes representing 17 nations, all vying for top honors in their respective categories.

In the fiercely contested U18 men’s division, Enrico Pellegrini of Italy delivered a standout performance, clinching the gold medal stopping the clock at 20:38 for the 530 positive meters they had to face. Pellegrini’s victory solidified his status as a rising star in the sport and underscored Italy’s prowess in producing elite ski-mountaineering talent. Second on the finish line was another young athlete used to the top positions this season, Malik Uldry (SUI), while third on the podium was Luca Curioni (ITA), who crossed the finish line just two seconds ahead of Gonzalo Casares (ESP).

Meanwhile, in the women’s U18 category, Cidan Yuzhen of China impressed spectators with her exceptional performance, securing the gold medal with a commanding display of strength and technique, showcasing the growing international competitiveness in youth ski-mountaineering and marking a significant milestone for Chinese winter sports. She crossed the finish line with over a minute with the second woman, Klara Velepec (SLO). The bronze medal was for another athlete that already knows what it is to get on a podium, Spaniard Laia Selles.

The U20 men’s category witnessed an intense battle for supremacy, with Griffin Briley of the United States emerging victorious. Briley’s stellar performance on the vertical course earned him the gold medal, crossing the finish line a few seconds ahead of one of the specialists of the vertical races, Italy’s Hermann Debertolis. Jules Raybaud (FRA), three times European champion this season, grabbed the bronze medal.

Finally, in the U20 women’s category, local favorite Ida Waldal of Norway delighted the home crowd with a remarkable display, clinching the gold medal and cementing her status as a promising talent in Norwegian ski-mountaineering. Second on the day was Louise Trincaz (FRA), while the last spot on the podium was for another Chinese athlete, Yuzhen Lamu, proving that the Asian country is investing a lot on the sport.

 

North American and US Skimo Championships hosted in Utah

Media Information

North American and US Skimo Championships hosted in Utah

Lausanne, 12 March 2024 – The beginning of March came in like a lion with extreme winds and blanketed much of the west with powdery snow just as skimo athletes were preparing to race the North American Skimo Championships at the aptly named Wasatch Powderkeg at Solitude Mountain, Utah. The race brought athletes from all over the country and Canada for its three main events: the Vertical race, the Individual race and the Sprint.  The Powderkeg also hosted the largest field of youth athletes with several dominant kids teams living and training nearby. It also had a Masters category, making the age range for racers 7 years to 63 years old.

This season things are heating up as the 2026 Olympics draw nearer. Top athletes from other sports are joining in the fun, no doubt with Olympic dreams. For example, Maria Lamb, a previous Olympic athlete in speed skating has been dominating the Individual event this season and won the Individual race this weekend; she also came in 2nd in the Sprint and 5th in the Vertical race.

Another crossover athlete, David Sinclair, a runner and nordic skier, placed second in the Sprint, his first time ever competing in the event. Sinclair also placed second in the Vertical and 4th in the Individual.

However, the sport still seems to be dominated by veterans, showing that experience gets results. John Gaston, from Aspen, CO with multiple National Championships wins under his belt, continued to place first in the Individual and Vertical events. Jules Goguely, from Ogden, UT, won the senior men’s sprint event over Sinclair.

A similar scene played out for the women’s sprint which was won by Hali Hafeman, from Colorado Springs, CO, ahead of newcomer Lamb.
Both Jules and Hali made it back stateside for the National Championships after an extended European World Cup trip with the USA Skimo national team.

The PowderKeg had its 2nd annual PowderPint race for kids ages 10 and under. They tackled a 800 vertical foot course in the blowing wind and harsh conditions. The depth of each age group is growing every year, and each age category from u14 up to u23 had upwards of 18 athletes competing. Many of these youth athletes have been, or about to depart, to Europe to compete in the Youth World Cup. The u18 category in both men and women’s fields is fiercely competitive.

The U18 Mens division saw a close battle in the vertical with Maxime Corbeil from Canada just edging out Solitude local, Anders Carlson, while Landon Jakob rounded out the podium. Anders stepped up on Saturday to secure the individual win, with Landon on his tail for 2nd. The u18M sprint final was the most exciting heat of the day with Emmett Itoi pulling out yet another come from behind win. Emmett’s ski fell off at the start, but then he put down by far the most impressive bootpack of the day, emerging 1st on the downhill.

The Women’s U18 field is equally competitive with Silverfork Skimo athletes sweeping the podium each day, but with a different winner in each event. Corrine Higgins took the win in the Vertical. Carson Leys crossed the finish line first for the individual. And Sienna Petersen battled for the win in the sprint race.

To try to draw in new athletes and talent to the sport, USA Skimo, the governing body for the sport in the US, has been focusing on promoting awareness of the event and the sport in general with eyes set on the Olympic podium. For the first time ever, the races were live
streamed for viewers to watch on social media and online. To re-watch the action please see the USA Skimo Youtube page. To participate in a skimo event near you check out USA Skimo’s webpage for a list of races.

Shahdag, Azerbaijan Hosts Inaugural ISMF Series Race

Media Information

Shahdag, Azerbaijan Hosts Inaugural ISMF Series Race

Shahdag, 10 March 2024 –  In a historic moment for Azerbaijan’s winter sports scene, the first-ever Shahdag ISMF Series race took place over the weekend, organized by the Azerbaijan Winter Sport Federation in collaboration with the European Council of the International Ski Mountaineering Federation (ISMF). A groundbreaking event that marked the country’s debut in hosting an international ski-mountaineering competition, drawing participants from 13 different countries.

The race unfolded over two thrilling days, featuring a high-paced sprint race on Saturday and a challenging vertical race on Sunday. Athletes from around the world gathered at the stunning Shahdag Mountain Resort to compete in the diverse and demanding terrains of the Caucasus Mountains.

On Saturday, the sprint race showcased the athletes’ agility, speed, and endurance as they navigated a dynamic course. Austria’s Andreas Mayer emerged victorious in the men’s category, while Jakib Siarnik (SVK) and Nikola Kalistrin (BGR) rounded the podium on the senior category. David Jost (GER), Emihram Karst (TUR) and Mathys Nogueras (FRA) were the top three athletes on the U20 category, while on the U18 men’s the first three were Moritz Bauregger (GER), Baptiste Carricart (FRA) and Simon Widmoser (AUT).

Nicola Matkova from Slovakia displayed an impressive performance to secure the victory on the female senior Sprint race, with Nazrin Garigova (AZE) delighted local spectarors claiming the silver medal, and Marzieh Beha (IRN) finished in the third place. On the women’s U18 category, victory was for Helena Euringer (GER), followed on the finish line by Eva Sophie Weigl (AUT) and Sueda Sultan Ueci (TUR).

Sunday’s vertical race added an additional layer of difficulty, with participants ascending 505+m of vertical slopes in a test of both physical and mental strength. Jakub Siarnik of Slovakia dominated the men’s vertical race, while Nikola Kalistrin (BGR) repeated the silver medal on the second day of competition, and Andreas Mayer (AUT) rounded the podium. On the U20 category, the podium was a repetition of the Sprint race, with Jost, Karst and Nogueras claiming the top three spots, while on the U18 category the victory was for Moritz Bauregger (AUT), followed by Adriá Isal Garcia (AND) and  Simon Widmoser (AUT).

On the women’s race, Nicola Matkova continued her winning streak, claiming the top spot in the vertical race and solidifying her position as a force to be reckoned with in ski-mountaineering. Silver medal was for Marzieh Beha (IRN), while the bronze on the day was for Nazrin Garigova (AZE). On the U18 category, victory for Helena Euringer (GER), with the silver medal going to Eva Sophie Weigl (AUT) and the bronze for Ekin Aigdogdu (TUR).

The event not only showcased the competitive spirit of the athletes but also highlighted the picturesque landscapes and potential of Shahdag as a premier destination for winter sports enthusiasts. The participants, representing diverse nations, praised the well-organized event and expressed their gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan’s Winter Sport Federation and the European Council of ISMF expressed their satisfaction with the successful delivery of the event and emphasized their commitment to further developing ski-mountaineering in the region.