As the winter season in Arlberg draws to a close, St. Anton gears up for one last true highlight. The legendary ski race "Der Weisse Rausch" traditionally marks the grand finale in spectacular fashion, attracting hundreds of participants and thousands of spectators every year. Adrenaline, competitive spirit, and an electric atmosphere make this event truly one of a kind.
On April 18, 2026, it’s that time again, as winter sports enthusiasts from around the world take on the challenge and come together for an unforgettable end to the ski season.
State of Exception in St. Anton
Every year, the alpine ski race "Der Weisse Rausch" draws participants and spectators from all over the world to St. Anton am Arlberg. When, on Saturday, April 18, 2026, an unusually large number of skiers in racing suits can already be spotted during the day, you know: today’s the day. At 5 PM, 555 skiers, snowboarders, and telemark riders line up for the mass start at the Valluga ridge, taking on a course that stretches 7.5 kilometers with a vertical drop of 1,346 meters.
Mountain of Pain – the key section
In principle, anyone who manages to register in time can take part in "Der Weisse Rausch", but the unprepared, nine kilometer descent demands serious skill and strong technique. Right from the mass start, choosing the right position can save crucial seconds. Then comes the “Mountain of Pain,” a roughly 150-meter uphill section where pacing is everything: push too hard and you’ll burn out before the top; take it too easy and you’ll lose valuable ground.
Did you know? The name "Der Weisse Rausch" goes back to a classic mountain film from the 1930s that was filmed in St. Anton am Arlberg.
Wettervorhersage
Chasing Records and Bold Outfits
With a total time of 7 minutes and 9 seconds, Mathias Gorbach set the current record at "Der Weisse Rausch" in 2017, a time that competitors have been chasing ever since. A solid average finish typically falls between 11 and 18 minutes. Across the different categories (alpine skiing, snowboard, telemark, short skis up to 100 cm, and monoski), a total prize purse of €1,900 is up for grabs, with trophies awarded to the top three in each group.
Towards the end of the race, however, finishing times often take a back seat. For many participants, it’s less about setting records and more about having fun, something that’s hard to miss, especially when you see the eye-catching outfits of those who cruise across the finish line at a relaxed pace after a good half hour.
Schneehöhen
Results and Mini Race
Results in "Der Weisse Rausch" are ranked by gender and age groups. There’s also a newer category for the fastest team, with each team consisting of at least three participants, including one female athlete.
Another particularly prestigious ranking is the combined result of "Der Weisse Rausch" and "Der Weisse Ring", the iconic race held in Lech Zürs am Arlberg. At the end, the top three women and men in this combined classification are honored.
Junior Race: "Weisse Rausch Mini"
Young athletes also get their moment to shine. At "Der Weisse Rausch Mini", participants aged 11 to 16 kick off the race day, taking on a shortened version of the original course. The race starts at 4:30 PM at the Habri snowcat garage, just ahead of the main event. Unlike the adult race, there are still spots available for the Mini race.
Offene Lifte und Pisten
Live Broadcast of the Race
Kilometers of fiber optic cables laid across the mountain, combined with a dozen cameras and drones, ensure that every second of the thrill is captured as 555 participants launch into the adventure at the same time.
