Ice Climbing World Cup 2019, all set for Corvara / Rabenstein, Italy

Once a year life in Corvara becomes truly exceptional, when the best ice climbers in the world gather in Alta Val Passiria, to compete in the Ice Climbing World Cup. This coming weekend will be the seventh time this event is stage in Northern Italy and the organisers are now ready for the two-day international ice climbing competition.

On Tuesday evening the Eisturm Rabenstein was still open to ice climbers from far and near. Until late in the evening, the climbers took advantage of the perfect conditions that have prevailed at the structure for weeks. The most beautiful artificial ice climbing structure in the world has been closed to the public since Wednesday while the Eisturm Rabenstein club ensures that it is suitable for the World Cup. "The ice tower is currently in a sensational condition. The top athletes will find excellent conditions here at the weekend. The experienced route builders ensure that they are pushed to their limits when climbing on the various elements. We are very much looking forward to the event and to many well known faces", Chair of the Organising Committee Reinhard Graf explained.

Almost 100 climbers from at least 20 countries and three different continents will start. Among them the Russians Nikolai Kuzovlev and Maria Tolokonina, the reigning Combination World Champions, who are also in the lead in the overall World Cup ranking. "Mega talent Yannick Glatthard from Switzerland will also try his luck in Corvara. He won his home World Cup stage in Saas Fee last weekend. Three years ago Glatthard finished second in Corvara" added Graf.

Among the women, Korea's Woonseon Shin put an end to Maria Tolokonina's winning streak in Saas Fee, ahead of Sina Götz from Switzerland and Han Na Rai Song (also from South Korea). "Shin also has the best memories of Corvara - she was World Champion here in 2015 when she took the title from local athlete Angelika Rainer after an exciting fight" explained Graf.

Mix of top level sport and entertainment
The spectators continue to be interested in the Ice Climbing World Cup in Corvara. Hundreds flock to Val Passiria year after year. They come to watch the best ice climbers in the world close-up and free of charge. On Saturday the qualification rounds (Lead) start at 9:00. The first victors will be determined in the evening from 7:30 pm in the speed finals. On Sunday the Lead semi-finals start at 8:15 am. The finals start at 1:00 pm.

Visitors are also attracted to Corvara by the colourful supporting programme. "This year, it includes the by now traditional beer crate climbing, a show competition of the South Tyrolean logging team, and the legendary ice party with DJ Fill on Saturday from 8:00 pm in the heated marquee" Graf explaines.

Live streaming
Those who cannot make it to Corvara can still experience the ice climbing World Cup live. The international association UIAA and the organisers offer a high-quality live stream on the official UIAA YouTube channel and on the Eisturm Rabenstein website.

PROGRAM
Saturday, 2 February
9:00 am: Qualification Lead
4:30 pm: Qualification Speed Women
5:30 pm: Qualification Speed Men
6:30 pm: Semi-finals Speed Women
7:00 pm: Semi-finals Speed Men
7:30 pm: Finals Speed
8:00 pm: Ice party in the heated marquee with DJ Fill

Sunday, 3 February
8:15 am: Semi-finals Lead
13:00 pm: Lead finals
3:00 pm: Show Event Speed record

Info: www.eisklettern.it
Facebook: www.facebook.com/eisturm.rabenstein