Inside the fence in an F.I.S alpine world cup race

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be inside the fence at F.I.S alpine world cup downhill race? Skitrotter went full Günter Wallraff and volunteered as a slopetrooper at the F.I.S world cup downhill in Kvitfjell. Here is the full inside story.

Downhill Skiing is an excellent TV-show and there is a lot going on standing in the public area at the finish line. The happening is usually a big party. But the real action takes place inside the fence on the actual race slope, that’s where you want to be during the race. But how to get inside?

There are a few ways to get inside the fence

There are a few ways to get inside the fence on a world cup ski race. The obvious is to qualify as a ski racer. It will take you 10–15 years of full dedication in hard training to get there, but the chances are still extremely low. In this particular race, for example, among the 60 contestants there was only one Swede participating.

Another way is to become a trainer for one of the national teams. However, that’s something you usually end up as after ski carrier is over.

Most of the trainers did not reach inside the fence as a racer, so following that path to get inside might be even longer.

A faster one might be to be chosen as a forerunner. These desired spots are few, and offered to young and upcoming racers on order to gain experience. I was once one of them, running as forerunner at the first world-cup downhill i Åre back in 1986.

The fastest way to get inside the fence

The fastest way to get inside the fence is to volunteer for the slope crew. So we did.

For the races i Kvitfjell there was a total of 800 accredited officials. More than 300 were members of the slope crew. Depending on skiing skill, experience and knowhow you will be offered a position among the officials.

You could end up as a slope slipper, gate guard, slope crew or even handling the cantina for the crew. Experienced as we are, we were chosen to be part of the slope crew. Handling the most exposed part of the race lope. The two corners named “Böygen” and “Tommy Moe”.

Expect early morning call, our alarm clock was set to 4.30 am. The crew meeting takes place already before sunrise at 6.30am. Half an hour later, we were in the chairlift moving up to our position.

The reward is instant. Imagine sliding in onto the race slope as the sun rises. You are the first on track. Not even the jury have entered yet, and there is still an hour left until the inspection starts for the racers.

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For a ski addict, there is almost a religious feeling being alone on the downhill racetrack when the first sunbeams hit the rock-hard surface. After the jury inspection, we are handled our directives what to do.

Depending on the weather, temperature and snow conditions, there are different tasks to get the slope race ready. Ski racing is an outdoor sport and snow is a living thing. The wish is to achieve a solid icy surface that holds for every racer.

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The two masterminds, Markus Waldner (Chief race director) and Hannes Trinkl (Course setter and Chief slope director) handles out the orders and giving directives to our crew.

The morning task is to water the slope and salt it to gain the perfect ice conditions. This is a job that requires skilled and strong skiers.

The slope is steep and rock hard already. To bring out the fire hoses and soak the racetrack with water is a heavy work. Carrying sacks of salt is another task. If you were a bit chilly in the morning hour, that isn’t the case anymore. Now you are soaking in sweat instead.

We are doing this voluntarily for a couple of days, but both Markus and Hannes are doing this in every race around the globe during the whole winter.

And they are not just pointing fingers and telling you what to do. Both are very dedicated to making sure the racetrack is perfect. This to guarantee a fair race for all and for the security of the racers. These are hardworking guys, hands on. You can tell by their dedication that this is their baby.

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Working in the racetrack gives you the opportunity not only to get in contact with the race directors. You will also get a closeup on the racers when they inspect the course and preparing for the upcoming race.

After the jury inspection, there is time for the racers and their coaches to enter the slope for the first time of the day. They are given an hour for a final inspection of the race line.

There is a lot to memorize for each racer. The course is 3000 meters long with a vertical drop of 830 meters. Every turn, jump and feature needs to become the second nature to perform on top.

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Finally, it’s time to race

When we are done working the slope and Hannes and Markus are satisfied, they give a final clearance. We are good to go. 25 minutes before the first start, the fence is closed to everyone. No one who is not accredited and already inside is allowed to enter anymore.

Everyone needs to be in their position. There are a few openings in the fence along the track just to let medics and slope slippers in and out. The only ones that are allowed inside the fence at this time are us and the rest of the working slope crew, such a privilege.

The race is on, and we are in the prime spot. Watching a downhill race on TV is exiting, and watching from the grandstand is even more fun. But hey, standing on the slope see the racers passing by in 130 km/h. Hearing them moan and the skis slamming on the icy slope, that’s something else.

So, if you want to get inside the fence during an F.I.S alpine World Cup, volunteer.

Check the nearest world cup homepage to find out how to sign up. It’s as simple as that. As a volunteer, you will not get paid. Depending on location, you will get a free meal per day, some merchandise and a free lift ticket. You will get memories for life, and stories to tell your skiing buddies on the next ski trip. And the most important, you will get inside the fence.

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Jonas Henning

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