Anyone can race – but at SKIDS, there’s more! We didn’t just want to organize a cool ski race; we wanted to create real experiences. And the biggest highlight? A two-day ski camp at the Schneeberg Family Spa Resort in Ridnaun!

December 15 to 17, it was time again: 32 up-and-coming ski stars – the top 5 in the U10 to U16 categories of the “SKIDS – The Snow Festival” Giant Slalom in March 2024 at Rosskopf – got to be part of the 2nd SKIDS Camp. And what they experienced was simply WOW!

World-class coaching and loads of action!

Joining in: real ski legends! Elisabeth “Liz” Görgl, Patrick Thaler, Manfred Mölgg, Denise Karbon, and Riccardo Tonetti – they all shared their best tips. It started with getting to know each other, playing games, and a cozy dinner. The perfect way to warm up!

Tons of fun on the slopes – and then straight to the swimming pool!

The next morning, things got serious: Giant slalom training at Rosskopf! After a morning full of speed and technique, it was time for video analysis – where did it look great, and where was there room for improvement?

Then: fun & games in the swimming pool, a Q&A session with the pros, and a legendary karaoke night. The highlight: the talented singer Liz Görgl rocked the stage – she can not only ski but also sing!

On the second day, it was back on the slopes before the camp ended with a big autograph session and cool group photos.

Thank you from the heart

A huge and heartfelt thank you goes to the Schneeberg Family Resort in Ridnaun – you made this ski camp an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. We’re already looking forward to the next time!

THE CAMP FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF…

..Denise Karbon

AS A COACH | Two days at a ski camp, surrounded by snow, fresh mountain air, and lots of new friends – doesn’t that sound like an adventure?

That’s exactly what we experienced, and it was simply amazing! Right from check-in at the hotel, the kids were full of excitement. Of course, they were looking forward to the activities with games, stories, and delicious food. But you know what really excited us as coaches? The kids weren’t just there for the fun – they actually wanted to train and learn something!

On the first day, we hit the slopes right away. After warming up, we practiced different techniques. The kids were super motivated and asked us tons of questions: “What was it like when you raced?” “Were you nervous before the start?” “How did you get so fast?” The kids were not only excited about the activities at the Schneeberg Family Spa Resort but also about the training itself. It was amazing to see how interested they were and how much they soaked up our tips. In between, we had some fascinating conversations. At the end, they eagerly asked us former athletes for autographs. That was a really special moment for us – when kids see us as role models, it’s a huge honor!

As we said our goodbyes, there were many smiling faces. We are sure these two days not only contributed to their athletic development but also created memories that will last for a long time. It was an incredibly valuable time – for the kids and for us coaches as well. Because one thing is clear: If we can give something to the young athletes, then every effort was worth it!

So, helmet on, skis strapped, and off to the next adventure! Who knows, maybe you’ll be at the next ski camp too? 😊

Pia (7 years)

AS A PARTICIPANT | Wow, that was soooo cool! At the SKIDS Ski Camp at the Schneeberg Family Spa Resort, I made new friends, had tons of fun, and experienced so much!

I’m only seven, but I can tell you: it was simply the best! I don’t even know what I liked the most – everything was just awesome! Skiing, the evening program, singing karaoke, swimming… I had so much fun that I even wrote an essay about it for school.

Of course, skiing was super exciting! I got to ski with Patrick in the “cool group” – the older kids and the really good skiers. At first, I was a little nervous, but then it was just amazing! We gave each other tips and cheered each other on.

And the best part? The friendships! At first, we didn’t know each other very well, but then we became a real team. Whether from Merano, Sterzing, or Germany – we played, laughed, swam, and sang together.

I will never forget these days – and I’m already super excited for the next “SKIDS – The Snow Festival.” That’s when I’ll see my new friends again!

RICCARDO TONETTI

As a coach, it was a truly special experience to be part of this ski camp. The two days with the kids once again showed me how wonderful it is to work with young athletes. Their energy and enthusiasm are simply contagious – whether on the slopes, playing games, or even during karaoke in the evening! The kids have a carefree way of being that really lifts you up. Their joy for skiing, their determination in training, and at the same time the fun they have while playing and singing together are things that we adults can learn a lot from. They remind us to enjoy life with that same lightheartedness and passion.

It was also great to share this time with former colleagues. Experiencing the days together, seeing how much fun the kids had, and witnessing their progress was a real enrichment. It was wonderful not only to pass on our experiences but also to be inspired once again ourselves.

A big thank you to the organizers who made this SKIDS Camp possible. It was a joy to be part of it, and I hope that I can be part of such experiences in the future as well. These days have given not only the kids but also us coaches so much – and that’s what makes these camps so special. Thank you for letting me be a part of it – until next time!