At the end of December, Gosau will host the Audi FIS Women's Ski World Cup for the first time

The countdown is on: At the end of December, Gosau will host the Audi FIS Women's Ski World Cup for the first time. The giant slalom is scheduled for December 28th, followed by the slalom on December 29th. This marks Upper Austria's return to the international Ski World Cup stage after six years. For the women, the last World Cup race in Upper Austria was even longer ago – 34 years.

As a joint kickoff to the final preparations, Governor Thomas Stelzer and Provincial Councillor for Economic Affairs and Sport Markus Achleitner invited all participants to a World Cup get-together at the Vitalhotel Gosau on Wednesday, September 2nd, 2026.

Numerous representatives from the participating organizations, as well as many dedicated volunteers, accepted the invitation. The focus was on getting to know one another, exchanging information about upcoming tasks, and above all, expressing gratitude to all those whose commitment makes the staging of a World Cup event of this magnitude possible in the first place.

Governor Thomas Stelzer: “34 years is a long wait. All the more reason to be delighted that the world's best female skiers will be returning to Upper Austria at the end of December. When the World Cup returns to Upper Austria, we want to show what we're capable of. Dachstein West provides a fantastic stage for this. Thousands of fans will be there. A World Cup brings the world to us and, at the same time, sends images of Upper Austria out into the world. It's hard to imagine a better calling card for our winter sports region.”

Stelzer also emphasized the collective effort behind the two race days: “A World Cup doesn't happen at the push of a button. It requires months of preparation and many people who take responsibility and get involved. My special thanks go already to the numerous volunteers. Much work has already been done, and much still lies ahead. But I am convinced: Upper Austria can host a World Cup.”

Regional Minister for Economic Affairs and Sport, Markus Achleitner: “The Women’s Ski World Cup in Dachstein West is a significant boost for the Salzkammergut region and the local economy. A major international event of this scale strengthens tourism, generates additional demand for accommodation and restaurants, and also benefits retailers, service providers, and many other businesses in the region. At the same time, the Salzkammergut presents itself to a global audience as a high-performing, welcoming, and attractive winter sports destination.”

Rupert Schiefer, President of the Organizing Committee and CEO of Dachstein Tourism AG: “With the Women’s Ski World Cup races, Dachstein West gains a new, internationally visible mark of quality. We are demonstrating far beyond the borders of Austria that Dachstein West is among the top winter sports regions. We are particularly pleased that so many stakeholders accepted our invitation to this get-together. The great interest and palpable enthusiasm are an important foundation for the successful implementation of this special sporting event together.”

Working together for two successful World Cup days:

A Ski World Cup places the highest demands on organization, infrastructure, and execution. Accordingly, the team behind the races is extensive: the State of Upper Austria, Ski Austria and the Upper Austrian Ski Association, mountain lift companies and the tourism association, the municipality and authorities, emergency services, the organizing committee and project team, landowners, sponsors, and numerous volunteers all work together on the preparations.

The World Cup get-together marked the official start of the intensive final phase leading up to the races at the end of December.

Among those attending that evening were Governor Thomas Stelzer, State Councillor for Economic Affairs and Sport Markus Achleitner, Austrian Ski Federation President Roswitha Stadlober, Organizing Committee President Rupert Schiefer, Gosau Mayor Markus Schmaranzer, and the Vice Presidents of the Upper Austrian Ski Association, Hans Pum, Alexandra Gadola-Gamsjäger, and Bernhard Zauner.