On March 13, 2010, the Nebelhorn Classics freeride race will take place in Oberstdorf for the 10th time. For the 10th time, skiers, snowboarders and telemark skiers will be battling it out for the coveted title in the freeride scene. The starting signal for the spectacular race, which leads off-piste from the summit to the Seealpe, will be given at 11.00 a.m. PowderGuide congratulates the organizing team around Nebelhorn Classics founder Sven Gittermann and wishes all participants and organizers a worthy anniversary event.
The Nebelhorn-Claisscs: Revival and further development of folk ski races
Until the 1980s, folk ski races enjoyed great popularity throughout the Alpine region, but disappeared from the scene with few exceptions. The Nebelhorn Classics follows on from the races of that time. Ten years ago, Sven Gittermann, owner of the Out of Bounds snowboard school, organized the Nebelhorn Classics, a downhill race for everyone, as it was held annually on the Nebelhorn in the 1950s and at that time still led from the summit to the valley.
Even today, the route is still a test of strength for all participants.
Away from the groomed slopes, the route leads from the Nebelhorn summit at 2224 meters to the Seealpe middle station at 1280 meters. Participants are largely free to choose their own line, as the course is only roughly defined by four directional gates. The difficulty of the terrain should not be underestimated. Immediately after the start, the ideal line leads over a cornice into the "green slope", which is up to 35 degrees steep and is ridden down by the fastest riders in one go. The next section of the course also largely corresponds to the shortest and therefore steepest route into the valley. An approx. 1-kilometre-long flat section then awaits the participants before the finish on the Seealpe.
Team classification and king-size classification: ski, snowboard, telemark
Teams, each consisting of one skier, one snowboarder and one telemark skier, set off on the course together. The times of the three skiers are added together to determine the winners of the Nebelhorn Classics team classification. Of course, there is also an individual classification and prizes for the fastest in each discipline. For real all-rounders, a king-size classification has been introduced in which participants have to complete the course in all three disciplines. But it's not just ambitious racers who take part in this race; for many athletes, the focus is on having fun.
Up to 250 participants have taken part in previous years. David Speiser from Oberstdorf, eighth at the Olympic Games in Vancouver, has also announced his participation this year. He has been taking part in the Nebelhorn Classics from the very beginning and has won his home race several times in recent years. Now David is hoping that he can defend his title from last year at the anniversary event.
Supporting program: ski tests and party
In the finish area on the Seealpe, there will be the opportunity to test the latest freeride skis from Völkl and snowboards from Arbor from 10.00 am on Saturday. A service team will also be on hand in the Toko tent to help racers prepare their skis and boards.
The popular classic party will then take place in the Hörbar from 8.00 p.m.
