Thank you fair on Zwölferkogel: A festival of the Ski World Cup heroes!

Thank you fair on Zwölferkogel: A festival of the Ski World Cup heroes!

Saalfelden am Steinernen Meer, Österreich - On June 1, 2025, a very special worship celebration took place at the summit of the Zwölferkogel. The occasion? The gratitude for the successfully held skiing championship, which once again made the Saalbach-Hinterglemm region a sports and tourism hotspot. The Klocker Hausmusik from Embach musically framed the fair and thus ensured a festive atmosphere at 1,530 meters. All in all, one participant described this event as an unforgettable joint experience that many are kept in a beautiful memory.

This thanksgiving was only part of a wider spiritual program that offered the parish of Saalbach as part of the Ski World Cup. Under the motto "Ski & Pray", Pastor Rudolf Weberndorfer created a daily range of trade fairs and prayer times in the municipalities of Saalbach, Viehhofen and Maishofen to give guests a contemplative break during the competitions. As is well known, the Alpine Skiwelt has been an important part of the international sports calendar for more than 90 years, organized by the World Ski Association FIS. Here, sport and spirituality often go hand in hand, which is also evident in the regular services that Pastor Weberndorfer offered.

a festival for ski fans and believers

The service on the Zwölferkogel formed the crowning glory of a series of religious events and was accompanied by a traditional morning pint at the Winkler Alm. Here, too, the Klocker Hausmusik was used again and ensured that the guests felt completely comfortable with food and drink. All of this happened in front of the impressive panorama of the Austrian Alps, which not only attracted the athletes but also numerous visitors.

The Ski World Cup itself, an event that takes place every two years and can look back on events in history since 1931, was a complete success this year. The number of competitions has increased over the years and the event has now become a significant highlight for the winter sports community. These world championships attract athletes from all over the world and transform the alpine backdrop into a spectacular scene for top sporting performance.

insights into the local spirituality

In addition to the solemn occasions, Pastor Weberndorfer appealed to the parish via WhatsApp to visit the early fair to take the opportunity while the many guests enjoyed their breakfast. It is interesting that the high spiritual representation was also present, including Salzburg's archbishop Franz Lackner, who personally congratulated the athlete on the Raphael Haaser silver medal in the Super-G.

The combination of sport and faith has proven to be very positive for the community, which is actively involved in the celebrations and is also proud of the performance of the athletes. The ORF also plans to rotate a documentary via the Ski World Cup to capture this unique spirit.

Overall, the Ski World Cup is not only a platform for sporting success, but also an important catalyst for community experiences and celebrating faith in the impressive mountains.