Share
Ganghoferlauf 2024
A traditional race under special circumstances
The Ganghoferlauf is one of the most important events in the region and is continuously optimized and improved. This year, despite all adversities, the 57th edition took place. The challenging weather and snow conditions, as well as the resulting relocation of the long races to Seefeld, put the Ganghoferlauf to the test, but at the same time also contributed to the success story of the race.
The Ganghoferlauf represents cross-country skiing in Leutasch and the region like no other race. It has a significant international standing and is now an integral part of the racing calendar. Both hobby athletes and numerous junior and professional athletes from the surrounding area find the Ganghoferlauf extremely appealing, as can be seen in this year's results. Many of them were incredibly grateful to be able to participate in a snow race since numerous other competitions have been unceremoniously canceled or moved to roller skis or inline skates. However, the Ganghoferlauf has sent a positive signal and provided immense motivation. In 2024, we were able to partner for the first time with adidas TERREX, one of those global brands everyone knows, creating even a regional partnership from that collaboration. We are very pleased about this, as the appeal of such a brand is invaluable. Thanks to this partnership, the TERREX XC Ski Team and Petter Engdahl, one of their exceptional athletes in trail running, participated as well.
A major highlight this year was the first-time award as a Green Event. This distinguishes the Ganghoferlauf from other events and emphasizes our efforts on the topic of sustainability. As the first tourism region in Austria to receive the Austrian Environmental Label, we also embody our pioneering role here and are willing to face new challenges.
Reasons for the implementation in Seefeld
In recent years, we have had to face challenges time and again: 2020 saw the last regular Ganghoferlauf as the final sporting event before the complete Covid lockdown. In 2021, the race was canceled due to Covid, and the following year it was again held but only in a reduced format due to Covid. In 2023, the race had to be canceled due to lack of snow. In the event of a cancellation, the loss of participants must always be considered, as many would spend several days in the region or need to book flights and train connections in advance. If the race had been canceled again this year, the loss of participants would likely (gradually) lead to the Ganghoferlauf becoming a one-day event that only attracts athletes from the surrounding area. Additionally, if another cancellation had occurred, the message “one can no longer do cross-country skiing in the region by the end of February” would likely have been spread in the media and lingered in the minds of visitors. This is not entirely true, as of 07.03., there were still five groomed trails in good condition operational.
Long before the actual race weekend, possible alternatives were discussed around the World Cup of Nordic combiners in Seefeld. The weather this winter has been anything but favorable for winter sports. This winter has been on average 6° too warm since January 21, 2024, and is likely to go down in history as the warmest winter. Its unusual temperatures have never been seen since 1850, meaning there is no comparison to previous years. Due to these circumstances, the idea arose for the first time to hold the Ganghoferlauf on alternative routes in the event of lack of snow. Therefore, the TVB, in coordination with the Ski Club Leutasch, decided to reserve the Seefeld Sports Arena in advance to be able to fall back on the snow-covered World Championship trails if necessary. Originally, Alpen Cup competitions were scheduled to take place at this date in the Seefeld Sports Arena – these were able to be postponed to Ramsau. We extend our sincere thanks to ÖSV and WM Sportanlagen GmbH for this!
Just a few weeks before the race weekend, we worked in parallel on the event organization for the execution of the race in Leutasch or Seefeld – an extra effort that we gladly took on thanks to the positive feedback from the Ski Club Leutasch and the other involved associations. The Ganghoferlauf has always been a traditional event in Leutasch and is supported by local clubs. Therefore, there is no concern for the future that the Ganghoferlauf will remain in Seefeld. Especially since the trails in the Seefeld Sports Arena are not suitable for a popular race of this scale. (*more information under "Challenges of the course in Seefeld").
Due to the warm temperatures and the ground that was no longer sufficiently frozen, no suitably long cross-country skiing loop could have been prepared in Leutasch that would have stood up for around 500 starters. Even the opening of the snow farming snow depot would not have helped here. Because due to the already thawed and softened grounds, understandably, none of the many property owners would have allowed us to bring in and prepare the snow. The insights gained this year now challenge us in determining where we can guarantee a six to ten kilometer long cross-country skiing loop in Leutasch in the future. We are already working on a concept and are thinking about the further expansion of snowmaking in Leutasch.
The execution in Seefeld was ultimately only possible because the numerous volunteers and Leutascher clubs positively supported the decision of the organizers. The close cohesion was the key to the successful "relocation". Although the main races had to be held in Seefeld, the Mini & Special Ganghoferlauf along with the entire support program – finally back in its full extent since 2020 – took place in the Wettersteinhalle in Leutasch. The hall was very well attended on both race days, as many of the participants and visitors came to Leutasch thanks to the specially established shuttle service. The efforts to create a socially sustainable support program have therefore more than paid off.
Challenges of the course in Seefeld
The entire trail development and preparation in Seefeld is characterized by the Nordic Combined Triple and the World Championships. For the 2019 World Championships, the trails were optimized and expanded, and the routes and elevation changes were adjusted. Therefore, it is not easy to hold a popular race with a large starting field and a wide range of performance levels on these courses. The trails are very demanding and the athletes must, as required in the World Cup and Nordic Ski World Championships, conquer many elevation meters within a few kilometers. The course of a popular race should have a different character – flat climbs, long loops, and a wide course layout. To meet these requirements, the trails were adjusted until the last moment.
In the past, the trails of the Ganghoferlauf were always prepared and groomed by the trail team of the TVB-Bauhof Leutasch and the Ski Club Leutasch. This year, the TVB-Bauhof Seefeld took over the trail preparation, but for the event setup, the Leutasch construction yard and the ski club were still responsible. The ski club was, for the first time, essentially operating on the territory of the Seefeld ski club – the same applied to the mountain rescue service. All of these factors made this year's edition of the Ganghoferlauf a special event, which impressively demonstrated the regional cohesion on Tyrol's high plateau.
At this point, we would like to sincerely thank the Skiclub Leutasch, the Leutascher clubs, and the many volunteers, our TVB employees, partners, sponsors, the municipalities of Leutasch and Seefeld, WM Sportanlagen GmbH, as well as all other participants! Together, we made the seemingly impossible possible!
The points mentioned should provide insight into our reasons for organizing the run and clarify any uncertainties. If there are still questions or more information is needed, we are happy to receive a message at: info@ganghoferlauf.at
