When winter enters its final stretch, St. Anton am Arlberg really gets going again: On April 19, 2025, the cult race “The White Rush” will make the slopes shake.
The 2024/25 winter season was a truly special one: The Audi FIS Ski World Cup Women made an impressive return to St. Anton am Arlberg with the Kandahar races, and even outside of the World Cup action, the region was in top form in terms of sporting events. The most recent example: the high-profile International Sports Summit Tyrol, which recently attracted numerous decision-makers and sporting luminaries from Austria and abroad to St. Anton am Arlberg. The discussions surrounding the future of international sports found their ideal setting in the sporting setting of the Arlberg. At the end of the winter season, the stage is now set for the crowning finale. The cult race "The White Rush" will enter its sporting and atmospheric finale on Saturday, April 19, 2025.
Season showdown in St. Anton: The white rush
The White Rush marks the spectacular finale of the winter season. The unprepared course and 555 participants make this race one of the most legendary spring events in the Alps – and a top-class sporting challenge. "For many, this event is the epitome of sporting spring on the Arlberg – challenging, authentic, and thrilling. The atmosphere when hundreds of people rush down the valley at the same time is unique every year," says Martin Ebster, Director of the St. Anton am Arlberg Tourist Board. A special new feature this year is the return of the overall ranking of the so-called white races. In addition to "The White Rush" in St. Anton am Arlberg, the "White Ring" is also part of the series. Participants who compete in both events have a chance to win the title of overall winner.
Route change at the Weisser Rausch
As in 2014, "The White Rush" will not start from the Vallugagrat, but from the Mattunjochboden – directly below the famous climb. The reason for this is the current snow conditions, which necessitate a relocation of the starting point. For the participants, this means: The adrenaline level rises even before the first turn. At the start, skis, snowboards, telemark skis, or short skis must be carried in the hand – strapping or fastening them is not permitted. The route leads over the track and a controlled descent to the starting area. Particularly treacherous: the starting gun doesn't fire until 5 p.m. – at a time when the slope has long since transformed into a bumpy monster. Grooves, hollows, and high bumps challenge even experienced racers. And as if that weren't enough, specially constructed obstacles await just before the finish line, setting off to raise your heart rate even further. Anyone who wants to succeed here needs not only technique and stamina, but also nerves of steel.
St. Anton remains a sports region – all year round
With events like the "White Rush" race, St. Anton am Arlberg once again underscores its status as a sports destination in the Alps. The winter season may be drawing to a close, but the event series isn't. The next sporting highlights on the agenda in the coming months include the Montafon Arlberg Marathon, the ARLBERG Giro, the Arlberger Wadlbeißer, and the Yoga Festival.
More information about the white rush can be found at www.der-weisse-rausch.at.
