NEWS
"No Alternative": ÖSV Sports Director demands ski hall in Austria
The 49-year-old wants to be more independent from glaciers and climate. Parts of the ÖSV team are currently preparing for the new season in Chile.
While the first ÖSV World Cup aces have already traveled to Chile for pre-season training these days, skiing is still a long way off in Austria after a record heatwave and an exceptionally hot summer.
However, ÖSV Sports Director Mario Stecher wants to change that. As he revealed to the "Tiroler Tageszeitung", he intends to advocate for the construction of a ski hall.
"We need a ski hall in Austria for the near future. If we want skiing to remain a national sport and to continue to be successful in elite sports, then there is no alternative. There is no way around it," the former world-class Nordic Combined athlete told the "TT".
Stecher Calls on Politics to Act
The ÖSV is currently dependent on training facilities abroad. According to Stecher, there are no concrete plans yet for a ski hall or a possible location in Austria.
For indoor training, one has to travel to places like Wittenburg, Latvia, or Oslo. These opportunities play an important role, especially for junior athletes and the European Cup. However, Stecher also holds politicians accountable for his plans.
"The Austrian Ski Association cannot finance this alone. I know it's not an easy situation for the state to contribute. But it's time that people finally stand up for sports and recognize its value," said the 49-year-old.
"It is extremely important for health and development. The government should finally take the next steps in that regard," he added.
Mat Ski Slopes Also an Option
The dependence on glaciers also worries Stecher. Rising temperatures are making training conditions more difficult.
"It is being brought to our attention how dependent we are on our glaciers. Something must now develop in a certain direction," added the ÖSV Sports Director.
Besides ski halls, Stecher also sees mat ski slopes as a way to prepare young athletes for skiing in summer. Among others, Scottish Kitzbühel slalom winner Dave Ryding trained on such a slope.
"Mat ski slopes are good for preparing young athletes for skiing. It's not the same as skiing in winter, but it's important to stay engaged and connected with the equipment," says Stecher.
