Asiago: A Resounding Success for the Second Vintage Skiers’ Gathering

All the ingredients for success were in place: a huge number of registered competitors, scores of enthusiasts heading to the snows of Asiago, legendary names who made skiing history, top-notch organization, and a well-snow-covered ski area—and indeed, the second Vintage Skiers’ Gathering (Raduno di Sciatori d’Epoca) was a resounding success!

We at MondoNeve were there and took an active part in this second edition. Arriving on the Asiago Plateau late in the afternoon on Saturday, April 2, we immediately immersed ourselves in the magical atmosphere of Rifugio Verenetta, which gradually began welcoming the first “vintage skiers” and VIP guests who had traveled from all over Italy (literally) to take part in this fantastic gathering. A festive aperitivo with friends from the Sciatori d’Epoca group and ski legends, big smiles and handshakes, introductions, and lively conversation just like old friends reuniting after a long time.

Saturday, April 2 – Snow groomers prepare the slopes for the next day’s Slalom

After the aperitivo, we took our seats in the Verenetta dining room, reserved entirely for the dozens of gathering participants. We sat alongside Andrea Formento (President of Federfuni), and at our table alone were legends such as Paride Milianti, Pietro Albertelli, Carlo Senoner, Bruno Alberti, Giovanni di Bona, and Eberhard Schmalzl, with whom we spent a wonderful evening. Many other champions were seated across the various tables, mingling directly with the many fans who had come up to Asiago to meet them and ski together.
How often does an opportunity like that come along? Not only meeting your idols, but spending a fantastic evening together savoring traditional specialties of the Asiago Plateau in the magnificent setting of the Verena Ski Area…

On Sunday morning, we set off bright and early from the center of Asiago where we were staying (every single property near the Verena ski area had already sold out a full 20 days before the event! Incredible!) to head up to the slopes and take part in the 2016 Historic Slalom – Valerio Fincati Trophy.
While the staff at Rifugio Verenetta handed out skipasses, meal vouchers, and race bibs to all participants, the first vintage skiers inspected the course carefully groomed the night before to provide the best possible snow surface for the nearly 100 slalom entrants.

Down at the base of the lifts, it felt like stepping back in time: no carved parabolic skis here, only straight and wooden skis, with male and female skiers dressed in authentic period fashion from the golden age of skiing, complete with vintage sweaters and race suits. Stealing the show were undoubtedly the group of skiers from Biella and Ketty Pannilunghi’s local Asiago family—both groups strictly sporting wooden skis and period attire! What a sight!

Vintage photo? NO, skiers on the Verena slopes on April 3, 2016

The attention to detail among the Vintage Skiers at the Verena gathering

Everyone ready? Let’s ski!!!

Following course inspection, the race got underway with Piero Gros serving as forerunner to kick off the second edition of the historic slalom; Piero then joined the wonderful Dody Nicolussi to provide expert, lively commentary on every run across the various categories.

Piero Gros at the starting gate

Dody Nicolussi and Piero Gros, star commentary team for the Historic Slalom

Also taking to the course was a brand-new category—a preview for next year’s edition—featuring vintage snowboarders, ably represented by the instructors of the Verena Ski School, who put on a fun and entertaining show.
Scores of enthusiasts tackled the Civello slope on vintage skis, boots, and outfits, while the former champions raced alongside the amateur participants, thrilling the crowd of spectators!

Below are some photos taken during the Slalom:

Once all the competitors had crossed the finish line and the race concluded, it was time for thank-yous and, of course, the obligatory group photos!
Everyone then headed back to lunch in the company of the champions. After lunch came the award ceremony inside the vintage ski museum housed at Rifugio Verenetta, where Michele Battaglin, Lorena Frigo, and the entire Sciatori d’Epoca team presented a commemorative plaque to all the ski legends who took part in the gathering.

RESULTS

There were 3 competition categories: Antique Skis (wooden skis), Vintage Skis (straight skis), and Vintage Snowboard.

Youth Men’s Vintage Ski Standings
1st Battaglin Filippo – time 46.86
2nd Battaglin Alessandro – time 50.49

Women’s Wooden Ski Standings
1st Pannilunghi Ketty – time 46.92
2nd Fabris Paola – time 1’37.00
3rd Palmieri Roberta – time 2’06.49

Men’s Wooden Ski Standings
1st Lanza Claudio – time 38.74
2nd Ciarletti Corrado – time 43.08
3rd Lanza Edoardo – time 47.56

Women’s Vintage Ski Standings
1st Paganin Anna – time 32.19
2nd Rubbo Nicole – time 34.19
3rd Arduini Roberta – time 34.48

Men’s Vintage Ski Standings
1st Marchesini Giorgio – time 28.93
2nd Dal Pozzo Kevin – time 29.88
3rd Tomasi Michele – time 30.07

Men’s Vintage Snowboard Standings
1st Magnabosco Luca – time 36.85
2nd Rebeschini Andrea – time 44.79
3rd Finco Domenico – time 45.00

for the full results, visit the Verena ski area Facebook page

Following the awards ceremony came the prize draw for the charity raffle organized by the Verena Ski Area: the total amount raised during the gathering was around €1,200—a sum that, with extraordinary generosity, was tripled by Lorena Frigo and the entire Verena lift company, donating €3,750 to the Cooperativa San Matteo of Asiago!

The motto of the event was “doing good while having fun,” and that goal was certainly achieved!

The prize raffle brought the second edition of the Vintage Skiers’ Gathering and the Valerio Fincati Trophy Historic Slalom to a close.

Our take on the Vintage Skiers’ Gathering

We spent two fantastic days in Asiago; it was a real pleasure to take part in an event we believed in right from the start, working closely with Michele Battaglin, Lorena Frigo, and the entire Sciatori d’Epoca group. It is extraordinary to see so many vintage ski enthusiasts meet and chat with the great Champions of the past, and even more heartwarming to see these athletes so approachable and gracious with everyone!

For us, too, it was a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.

Skiing together and having fun while supporting a good cause in the snow-covered paradise of Mount Verena was spectacular—all that remains is to thank EVERYONE and say see you at the 2017 edition!

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