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Traveling with Benni Raich: Interview With the Olympic and World Champion

The Pitztal Olympic champion and world champion Benni Raich knows the five Tyrolean glaciers like no one else. But what makes each mountain special, which area is best suited for whom, and where can you find the best views? He tells us all about it.

January 17, 2025


Top of Tyrol

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The Kaunertal Glacier is still a hidden gem among high-altitude ski areas: the slopes are uncrowded, and there are virtually no waiting times. Even the journey along the Kaunertal Glacier Road is an experience in itself. Benni Raich agrees: “Driving up the glacier road all the way to the edge of the slopes at 2,750 meters saves you long waits for feeder lifts. At the same time, you’re rewarded with the vibrant play of winter colors before arriving at the snowy white of the glacier. My favorite is the 1,000-meter vertical descent from Karlesjoch through the ski tunnel to the Ochsenalm valley station. As a skier, I’m always fascinated by the lively atmosphere and the way freestylers in the Kaunertal Snowpark perform their tricks and jumps.”

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Austria’s highest café
“The Pitztal Valley is my home,” says 46-year-old former Tyrolean ski star Raich. “This is where I learned to ski, and today I run a ski racing school with my brother for anyone who dreams of becoming a real ski racer. What I find truly extraordinary is the ‘Café 3440,’ located in the building next to the Wildspitzbahn mountain station. From here, you get a fantastic view of the Wildspitze, the highest mountain in North Tyrol and one of the classic ski touring destinations in the region. For all beginners in ski touring, the glacier's ski touring park is a top recommendation.”

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James Bond vibes
Sölden is naturally tied to the first ski race of the season for Olympic champion and world champion Benni Raich. This year, the Norwegians dominated, with Alexander Steen Olsen leading the pack, while Marcel Hirscher scored points in his comeback. “For many others, the glaciers in Sölden – there are two, the Tiefenbach and Rettenbach glaciers – are now synonymous with James Bond,” says Raich. “At the ‘Ice Q,’ the restaurant next to the Gaislachkogelbahn mountain station, scenes from the Bond film Spectre were shot. Additionally, the ‘007 Elements’ cinematic Bond installation has opened; it’s a must-see, not just for Bond fans. And of course, the skiing here is phenomenal: for instance, you can ski down three peaks over 3,000 meters on the ‘Big 3 Rally.’”

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The freestyle stars of tomorrow
Austria’s largest glacier ski area is the Stubai Glacier, boasting 35 diverse runs for all skill levels. Raich shares his thoughts: “The Stubai Glacier features the ‘Big Family Ski Camp,’ offering everything kids and families need – and I say this from experience as a father: a kids’ restaurant, daycare, special slopes for children and families, and the ‘Big Family Slopestyle’ for the freestyle stars of tomorrow. As for today’s freestylers, they enjoy themselves at the Snowpark DC Stubai Zoo.”

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Walkable glacier crevasse
“I used to train on the Hintertux Glacier even in summer, as it’s the only year-round ski area in Austria,” says Raich. For those curious about the inside of a glacier, the natural glacier crevasse, known as the Nature Ice Palace, is a must-see. Raich explains: “You can walk inside, even with ski boots, pass by glittering icicles, and take a raft ride across the frozen lake – a truly unique experience!”

This article appeared in the Falstaff TRAVEL issue Winter 2024/25.

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