Anyone who claims that time travel is not possible was probably not at last year's retro ski day at monte popolo in Eben im Pongau. But that doesn't matter, because on 9th March 2024, the 2nd RETRO ski race at monte popolo will take you back to the future.
On 12th February 2023, we had every reason to celebrate in Eben im Pongau: 50 years ago, the Reitlehen lift, the foundation stone for today's monte popolo ski area, was opened. As a tribute to this opening in 1973, the tourism association organised the retro ski race for the first time together with the Eben Ski Club. Starters and spectators got their Norwegian jumpers, neon-coloured overalls and the like out of the attic and skied back to the 70s and 80s on their original Atomic ACS and Tyrolia bindings. Squeaky-coloured sunglasses and nostalgic ski goggles in front of their eyes and disco sounds and cult hits in their ears. Over 60 starters entered the race, and the finish area was gradually transformed into a neon-coloured time capsule in which even a 2000s kid like me could no longer resist the magic of the 70s and 80s. At the award ceremony at the Reitlehenalm, saxophonist and DJ SaxoBen provided cool vibes and the sun shone brightly with the winners.
Speaking of winning - this year's edition is all about the equipment and performance of the starters. A smart retro outfit is a must in order to compete. The race can be contested with classic alpine skis, snowboards or more unusual equipment such as monoskis. At the finish line, the starters then have around 15 seconds to perform retro-style, spontaneous dance interludes or something rehearsed - to top disco and pop hits from the past, of course. The style jury will then judge the outfit, accessories and performance and choose the Retro Queen or Retro King. So what’s it worth? A Ski amadé ALL-IN Card White for the next ski season and the golden Eben retro style crown as a challenge cup. There are also great prizes for the second and third place winners. And guess who is already in retro fever? Monti, the monte popolo mascot, is already training every weekend for the big day. Because Monti will open the race, also in retro style. And whoever comes closest to Monti's time will be rewarded with a special prize. So, it's worth taking part!
After the race is before the party. Ski hut feeling is always part of it, isn't it? While the Reitlehenalm team will once again be looking after your physical well-being, SaxoBen will also be at the start again and this time, together with DJ Soultekk, will be providing first-class ear candy after the award ceremony at 2.00 pm. If you want to savour even more retro atmosphere, you should definitely make a detour to Kohler's Pub on the village square after the spectacle at monte popolo. From 7.00 pm, xxx will be playing the most iconic records and evergreens at the AfterShowRetroParty - disco feeling guaranteed. So, unpack your bell bottoms, get a perm or a mullet hairdo and get dressed up for a nostalgia trip to the era of New Wave, Grease, ABBA, rum & coke, Bud Spencer and Terrence Hill. Oh yes, please don't forget the colour film, otherwise Nina Hagen will scold you again (as in her 70’s song) 😉
Info
Think you've got the smartest outfit and the coolest skis? Then sign up quickly for the 2nd retro ski race at monte popolo in Eben im Pongau!
https://www.eben.at/en/village/retro_en.html
photo credits: O´MANS, TVB Eben im Pongau