Ski ace Niels Hintermann defends his sport against criticism for its climate footprint. The Swiss downhill specialist refers to other sporting events and shoots against media reports.
Ski racer Niels Hintermann sees skiing as being treated unfairly. “In the last few months, based on media coverage, one could get the impression that skiing represents the greatest burden on the environment. But here in the USA in particular, there are enough examples that prove that the ski circus is certainly not that The biggest problem,” said the 28-year-old in the US winter sports resort of Beaver Creek to the Swiss “Blick”.
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There have been renewed discussions and protests in the past few weeks, with climate activists from the “Last Generation” storming the finish area at the slalom in Gurgl. The Norwegian Henrik Kristoffersen then attacked the activists and had to be held back by stewards. Critics are also annoyed by the fact that some teams only jet across the Atlantic for training camp.
Hintermann thinks this is too one-sided. His harsh accusation: “Ski racing is currently being discriminated against by some media! Our sport is being treated unfairly compared to other disciplines.”
He points to other sports in the United States or motorsports. “The NHL and NBA teams fly across America every other day. The Formula 1 circus circles the world several times a year.” That’s why he defends himself against the fact that we Alpine are “portrayed as the main culprits”.
However, he doesn’t completely ignore himself and his colleagues. “Last winter, certain giant or slalom specialists flew from Europe to North America for a single World Cup race.” The World Cup circus should be held all over the world. “But not with individual races, but in longer blocks.”
Two downhill runs and a Super-G are on the program in Beaver Creek from December 1st to 3rd. Hintermann is ambivalent about the place. It’s a bit like being in Disneyland. “On the surface everything is wonderful, but if you look closer you can see some flaws. Unlike Switzerland, you can’t drink water from the tap here without a care in the world.”