Alpine skiers in the middle of summer: some are already racking up kilometres, Slokar's is still waiting to return

Slovenian alpine skiers have already begun their preparations for the upcoming season despite the summer heat, with some athletes training on snow far from Europe. While most people are thinking about beaches and vacations, Slovenian skiers such as Žan Kranjec and Miha Oserban are currently in Ushuaia, Argentina, training in slalom and giant slalom. Others, including Neja Dvornik, are in New Zealand, where conditions are ideal for early-season training. The head of the Alpine Skiing Association of Slovenia, Aleš Rogelj, stated that the team has made solid plans for the season, adapting to challenges posed by limited snow availability in Europe due to high temperatures and melting glaciers. The summer months have forced ski teams to rethink traditional training schedules. European glaciers have been significantly affected by rising temperatures, resulting in less snow and poorer quality tracks. This has led to adjustments in training programs, with younger athletes conducting part of their training indoors while others travel to regions with better snow conditions. Rogelj emphasized that coaches are accustomed to dealing with unpredictable weather and logistical issues throughout the season, making these changes manageable. In contrast, the southern hemisphere offers more favorable conditions for early training. Neja Dvornik has spent over ten days on snow in New Zealand, where the snow is compact and firm, allowing for effective training sessions. According to Rogelj, the environment in New Zealand is not only suitable for skiing but also provides opportunities for additional physical activities after training sessions, which can be beneficial for overall fitness. Žan Kranjec recently joined his teammates in Ushuaia, starting with free skiing and equipment testing before progressing into structured training. His coach, Denis Šteharnik, noted that the conditions in Ushuaia are excellent, attracting many teams and creating a competitive atmosphere. Kranjec will initially focus on individual training sessions before engaging in comparative training with other teams to gauge his performance against competitors. Andreja Slokar's return to competition faces uncertainty due to complications in her rehabilitation following an injury. Rogelj mentioned that communication with her medical team continues, and there is optimism regarding her potential comeback. He suggested that the second half of the season could be suitable for her, depending on how her recovery progresses. The decision on her specific return will depend on her team’s assessment of her readiness to compete again. Niko Tomšič, who secured her first World Cup points last season, is being carefully monitored to ensure she does not rush back into competition. Rogelj expressed confidence that repeating her success this season would represent a significant step forward and establish continuity in her career. The focus remains on gradual progress and ensuring she maintains her form without overexertion. The current training strategies reflect a blend of adaptability and strategic planning, with athletes utilizing different parts of the world to optimize their preparation. As the new season approaches, the emphasis is on leveraging available resources and maintaining a balance between rigorous training and necessary recovery periods. The team's approach underscores the importance of flexibility in response to environmental and health-related challenges faced by athletes globally.