Of course, just like the many visitors to Zauchensee, our ski ace Michael Walchhofer also enjoys the town's numerous ways to stay in shape. And then there is also the atmosphere itself, which provides the inspiration he needs in order to recharge his batteries for all of the upcoming tasks ahead.  Yet with his hometown and family serving as his emotional "center" (he and his family have just moved into a new home in Altenmarkt), there are still all kinds of things for our champion to do during the summer months as well: After spending a few days getting gently warmed up on the glacier in Sölden, World Cup Group 3 then spent a week in Going to take a more intensive conditioning course.

The end of July saw them get in some rather low-key training in Switzerland's Zermatt, but things will once again get more intensive for 3 weeks beginning in mid August, for it is then that the skiers head off with their head coach, Andi Evers, to Portillo in Chile. During the South American winter, they will put in serious training under race conditions, as well as test this season's newest equipment.

Michael has already concluded the usual negotiations with equipment manufacturers and sponsors. By and large, in this regard things will remain pretty much the same as before. The successful collaboration with Atomic, Komperdell and Carrera will continue. The stay in Chile will also be used to get used to the latest products from these companies and to filter out the materials which are best for him. In late summer, our champion can once again enjoy a short break, though the term "break" is somewhat relative. In this case, it means that Michael will continue on alone with his own personal training program, though at least he will be able to do so at home.

 In early autumn, training moves to the glaciers of Austria: Michael will once again add the giant slalom to his (training) program, since it is very much the basis of all disciplines. Even though the giant slalom isn't his main goal, he still wants to attempt to team-qualify for Sölden! The goal is to build up focus and race readiness.

The now traditional November training camp in Sun Peaks (CAN) helps in adjusting to the time change, while fine-tuning everything for the long winter of racing which begins for real at the end of November: at Lake Louise and Beaver Creek! Places with resonant names, places where Michael could definitely win some early races.

Michael's clearly declared goal for this season: to win the Downhill World Cup! The World Championship in Val d’Isère in the middle of February is a second season highlight. But aside from competitive skiing, Michael is also actively involved in village life.  Training sessions with the Altenmarkt volunteer firefighters, photo shoots with his fellow Zauchensee hoteliers - the Zauchensee "Holiday Pearls" - for joint marketing efforts and much more, interrupt the training routine of our local ski hero.


Texts by Roland Dolschek vulgo "Dichand"