The ingredients for the cult race "Weisser Rausch" (White Rush) are not for the faint of heart: ungroomed slopes, high moguls, a spectacular mass start, taking off and putting on skis and snowboards during the intermediate climb – and last but not least, obstacles just before the finish line. And yet, it is above all the incomparable atmosphere that makes this event the legendary season finale in St. Anton am Arlberg – for participants as well as for spectators.
If the participants of the White Rush didn't know better, one might think a sensational party was about to take place in St. Anton am Arlberg on April 18, 2026. But: the burning in their thighs and their racing pulses tell a different story. Hard work precedes the fun. As every year, the starting places were snapped up in record time, and 555 athletes are once again ensuring a spectacular end to the winter season.
Martin Ebster, Managing Director of the St. Anton am Arlberg Tourism Association, is eagerly anticipating the spectacle: „The White Rush brings another fantastic winter season in St. Anton am Arlberg to a close. This race, like few others, embodies courage and enthusiasm for winter sports. My thanks go to all the participants who, with their impressive performances and fast times, ensure an unforgettable season finale year after year, as well as to everyone who lends a hand.“
The route and its challenges
The starting gun traditionally fires at the Valluga ridge – at precisely 5:00 PM. By this time, the slopes are already closed, and the mass start is all about securing the best possible position. From now on, every second counts. The faster the athletes reach the infamous "Mountain of Pain" – a roughly 150-meter-long uphill section – the better their chances of a top finish. This is where the wheat is separated from the chaff. The motto is: "All or nothing!" Only those who combine speed and technique here can look forward to a top time at the finish. Speaking of the finish: Before the celebrations can really begin, the skis and equipment have to be hauled over three obstacles. Only then is the descent complete. In the end, the athletes have covered a total of around 1,350 meters of vertical drop and approximately nine kilometers. The average time on the course was between 11 and 18 minutes.
The White Races
The stars of tomorrow traditionally kick things off: Young runners aged 11 to 16 open the racing action in the Arlberg region with the "Weisse Rausch Mini." They tackle a shortened version of the original course, starting at 4:30 p.m. Results are generally categorized by gender and age group. The fastest team will also be recognized again this year, with each team consisting of at least three participants, including one woman. The combined ranking from the two races, "Der Weisse Rausch" and "Der Weisse Ring," the spectacular race in Lech Zürs am Arlberg, is also highly prestigious. The top three men and women in this combined ranking will be honored at the end.
AFTER the race is BEFORE the series of events
St. Anton am Arlberg is much more than just a mecca for skiing. This is evident in its top-class event calendar throughout the year. Sports enthusiasts should mark some of the highlights on their calendars now: the Montafon Arlberg Marathon, the Arlberg Giro, the Arlberger Wadlbeisser, and the Mountain Yoga Festival.
Fans from all over the world who cannot travel to St. Anton am Arlberg in person still have the opportunity to follow the spectacle live. [At] www.stantonamarlberg.com The race will be broadcast via livestream. It starts at 4 p.m., allowing everyone at home to cheer on the cult race "Weisser Rausch".