At the start of the Stanton Ski Open 2019/20 from 28th November to 1st December 2019, the “global village” of St. Anton am Arlberg welcomes its guests with the new giant slalom race "Catch me if you can - the night of long turns". On the evening of 28th November, 222 athletes equipped with headlamps and split into groups of two will hurtle down the legendary Kandahar Slope to the valley - a thrilling spectacle not just for the spectators. Those interested can register for the race from 1st  September, the participation fee is 59  euros  including  the  lift  pass. After  official  lift operations  begin on the  following  day,  pop  star Sarah Connor and special guest Nico Santos will perform their greatest hits on the open-air stage at the concert grounds on Saturday evening, 30th November. During the entire opening weekend, visitors also have the opportunity to test new ski and board models from renowned manufacturers for free as they explore the slopes of St. Anton am Arlberg. Rendl car park is the starting point of the “AUDI driving experience“, during which various Quattro vehicles can be piloted on the wintry mountain roads around St. Anton am Arlberg every day during the opening weekend.

 

Christmas spirit is in the air at the start of the ski season in St. Anton am Arlberg: bells are rung for the first time on 1st December during “Advent Magic in the Park”. The “Christmas Experience Trail” leads through St. Anton Museum Park, where themed areas invite you to linger and snack on traditional “Kiachla” (sweet or savoury filled doughnuts). Children  can  make their own Christmas cards, enjoy  handicraft sessions at the elves workshops  or  bake their favourite cookies. Locals also tell Christmas stories of yesteryear in a quaint forest cabin. Additional dates: 1st, 6th, 8th, 15th, 21st and 22nd December 2019.

 

A few weeks before Christmas, visitors have the opportunity to experience an extraordinary tradition in St. Anton am Arlberg. Young lads in fearsome costumes accompany St. Nicholas through the streets of St. Anton on the evening of 5th December. The Krampalar, as they are known as in Arlberg, wear gruesome carved masks and a so-called “Devil’s skin”.

 

“Anton aus Tirol“ and its successors: winter sports lovers will be the first, to hear which songs will be on everyone’s lips for the coming season at the annual RTL-II-Party at Mooserwirt, next to the downhill valley run of St. Anton am Arlberg. International stars and starlets are expected to attend filming of “Après-Ski-Hits 2020“ on 7th December 2019. Admission is free.

 

The traditional way to see the old year out in St. Anton: the Wiltener Boys Choir Christmas Concert on 27th December 2019 from 20 hrs in the great Arlbergsaal Hall provides the perfect setting to bring the past year to a close in festive style. This choir is one of the oldest and most traditional boys’ choirs in the Alps, whose history dates back to the 13th Century.

 

A ski slope as an oversized outdoor cinema, 150 performers on skis in a fast forward performance of the history of winter sport. Every week, St. Anton am Arlberg Tourist Board, together with Skischule Arlberg and the Arlberger Bergbahnen Cable Car Co present the 45-minute long “The Snow must go on” ski show in the Karl Schranz Finish Stadium. The premiere takes place on 30th December 2019, after which the show is performed every Wednesday at 21 hrs, admission is free. Those wanting to enjoy an extra special evening can follow the colourful events from the comfort of the Show Lounge, or “open-air” on the stadium roof. Limited tickets cost € 35.- per person, which includes a buffet and drinks.

 

Conducted by Prof. Dr. Rudolf Streicher, President of the Vienna Symphony Orchestra and honorary citizen of St. Anton, the annual Arlberg New Year’s Concert takes place on Thursday, 2nd January 2020. Ambassade Vienna Orchestra perform classical melodies of the highest standards, while the festively decorated World Cup Hall at Arlberg WellCom provides the perfect acoustic setting.

 

Southern flair in Tyrol: When the “New Orleans meets Snow“ Festival takes place for the seventh time from 3rd to 5th April 2020, everyone feels like dancing in the streets and bars of St. Anton am Arlberg - whether up on the mountain or down in the valley, in street shoes or ski boots. The ”Blues Night“ on Saturday evening (4th April) forms the highlight of this concert extravaganza, with sounds ranging from jazz to rhythm & blues and funk that transform Rosanna River into the Mississippi, before the Markus Linder Band welcome a star guest from New Orleans to the stage. Admission to all concerts is free!

 

2020 Hundreds of spectators will cheer on the international volleyball elite in St. Anton for the sixth time from 10th to 12thApril, as they duck, dive and smash in unusual terrain. Because the playing field at Rendl Beach (2,030 metres) is not sandy and warm as one would expect, but frosty - which does nothing to prevent the 16 women's and men's teams from achieving top performances in their battle for overall victory. Fans will truly feel like they are at the beach, with palms, whirlpools and cheerleaders. Admission is free.

 

After the new “Catch me if you can“ race at the start of the season on 28th November, the ski season in St. Anton am Arlberg is brought to a close by its “bigger brother”, “Der Weiße Rausch - The White Thrill“. On 25th April 2020, the legendary “White Thrill” downhill race will have participants’ muscles screaming in protest, when 555 athletes from all over the world hurtle simultaneously down nine kilometres of unprepared slopes to the valley after the mass start at Vallugagrat. Olympic ideals and great ambitions provide an eclectic mix here: some contenders have their sights on a medal, while others enjoy the hullabaloo at a more leisurely pace.