The best comes last: The legendary ski race 'Der Weisse Rausch' in St. Anton am Arlberg

When the lifts close in the afternoon of 18th April 2026, things really heat up on the slopes of St. Anton am Arlberg. This is the day of „Der Weisse Rausch“ – the cult ski race which drives its participants to their absolute physical limits every year. The atmosphere is electric, even during the day: a large proportion of skiers are already dressed in racing attire and try to conceal their mounting nervousness with jokes in the gondola or by looking uber-casual about the approaching event. Things then start getting serious at 17 hrs, when 555 skiers, snowboarders or telemark skiers assemble on the Valluga Ridge for the mass start.

The now legendary „Der Weisse Rausch“ alpine ski race attracts thousands of winter sports enthusiasts every year to St. Anton am Arlberg from all over the world. Anyone can take part, although many know from experience that this race is not suitable for all. Just choosing the right starting position at the mass start can win a few crucial seconds for later. The real challenge, however, follows shortly after on “Pain Mountain”. Those who hurry up this 150 ascent too fast, will pay for it with burning lungs. Those who take it too easy will fall behind the leaders. The unprepared slopes demand high levels of skiing skill and dexterity. Mathias Gorbach set a new record time of seven minutes and 9 seconds over the maximal distance in 2017, which is now the benchmark to beat. Times between 11 and 18 minutes are a good average, but for most it plays only a minor role. The main thing is just to get over that finishing line. Spectators can also look forward to the flamboyantly attired participants, who roll in around half an hour later. By then at the latest it becomes clear that fun does not fall by the wayside during this particular race.

The ingredients for the cult race "Weisser Rausch" (White Rush) are not for the faint of heart: ungroomed slopes, high moguls, a spectacular mass start, taking off and putting on skis and snowboards during the intermediate climb – and last but not least, obstacles just before the finish line. And yet, it is above all the incomparable atmosphere that makes this event the legendary season finale in St. Anton am Arlberg – for participants as well as for spectators.

If the participants of the White Rush didn't know better, one might think a sensational party was about to take place in St. Anton am Arlberg on April 18, 2026. But: the burning in their thighs and their racing pulses tell a different story. Hard work precedes the fun. As every year, the starting places were snapped up in record time, and 555 athletes are once again ensuring a spectacular end to the winter season.

Martin Ebster, Managing Director of the St. Anton am Arlberg Tourism Association, is eagerly anticipating the spectacle: “The White Rush brings another fantastic winter season in St. Anton am Arlberg to a close. This race, like few others, embodies courage and enthusiasm for winter sports. My thanks go to all the participants who, with their impressive performances and fast times, ensure an unforgettable season finale year after year, as well as to everyone who lends a hand.”

The starting gun traditionally fires at the Valluga ridge – at precisely 5:00 PM. By this time, the slopes are already closed, and the mass start is all about securing the best possible position. From now on, every second counts. The faster the athletes reach the infamous "Mountain of Pain" – a roughly 150-meter-long uphill section – the better their chances of a top finish. This is where the wheat is separated from the chaff. The motto is: "All or nothing!" Only those who combine speed and technique here can look forward to a top time at the finish. Speaking of the finish: Before the celebrations can really begin, the athletes have to carry their equipment over three obstacles. Only then is the descent complete. In the end, the athletes have covered a total of around 1,350 meters of elevation gain and approximately nine kilometers. The average time taken was between 11 and 18 minutes.

Traditionally, the stars of tomorrow kick things off: In the "White Rush Mini," young runners aged 11 to 16 open the racing action in the Arlberg region. They tackle a shortened version of the original course, starting at 4:30 p.m. Results are generally categorized by gender and age group. The fastest team will also be recognized again this year, with each team consisting of at least three participants, including one woman. The combined ranking from the two races, "The White Rush" and "The White Ring," the spectacular race in Lech Zürs am Arlberg, is also highly prestigious. The top three men and women in this combined ranking will be honored at the end.

St. Anton am Arlberg has long been more than just a mecca for skiing. This is evident in the top-class event calendar throughout the year. Sports enthusiasts should already mark some highlights on their calendars: the Montafon Arlberg Marathon, the Arlberg Giro, the Arlberg Wadlbeisser, and the Mountain Yoga Festival.

Fans from all over the world who can't travel to St. Anton am Arlberg in person still have the opportunity to follow the spectacle live. The race will be streamed live at www.stantonamarlberg.com . It starts at 4:00 PM, allowing everyone at home to experience the thrill of the iconic "Weisser Rausch" race.