Today, February 4, 2025, the participants of the FIS Para Alpine World Ski Championships tested the racecourse on Mariborsko Pohorje for the first time since arriving in Maribor. In the coming days, they will compete in various alpine disciplines. The schedule included free skiing on the competition slope, which was in excellent condition.
In addition to timely and appropriate preparations, the current weather conditions contributed to this, as nighttime temperatures dropped below freezing again. Across the entire course, which starts at Habakuk and finishes at Trikotna jasa, there is up to 50 centimeters of compacted and frozen snow, ensuring equal competition conditions for all athletes.
After the free skiing session, the jury inspected the course and met with the coaches. They determined that, despite meeting the required homologation criteria and FIS standards, the course was not suitable for speed disciplines for the sitting category (monoski/wheelchair athletes). As a result, the jury unfortunately canceled the super-G and subsequently the alpine combined event, which was scheduled for February 6.
Due to this decision, changes have been made to the championship program. On February 5, teams will train at the Areh ski slopes, while the official opening ceremony will still take place at 19:30 at the Snow Stadium. Another official training session is scheduled for February 6 on the competition course, followed by a rest day on February 7. The program will then continue with technical disciplines (giant slalom and slalom) on Saturday, February 8.
For the organizers, this decision came as a surprise, as the competition course is excellently prepared, compacted, and properly secured. However, the jury’s decision was made based on the higher safety requirements for seated athletes, where the risk of potential accidents and injuries is greater than for other competitors.
Despite these changes, the organizers – Marprom and Šport Maribor from the JHMB Group – still hope to attract as many spectators as possible. The championship is a unique opportunity to witness exciting ski competitions on Mariborsko Pohorje while also showing respect and support for the athletes who, despite various mobility impairments, are dedicated to high-performance sports.
We warmly invite you to join us and cheer for the athletes from around the world who, through special techniques, perseverance, and courage, continue to push boundaries. The FIS Para Alpine World Ski Championships Maribor 2025 features participants from 33 countries, with 135 athletes and 200 team staff members arriving in Maribor. They are accommodated in hotels in both Maribor and Pohorje. The latest championship schedule is available at https://paraski-maribor.si/.