Obergurgl: Ski Marathon World Record?

A sensational start to October at the SnowWorld indoor ski slope in Landgraaf, Netherlands. 104 hours of nonstop skiing earned Christian Flühr the indoor world record. It is probably the first of its kind worldwide. But that’s not all. Eight-time ski world record holder Christian Flühr is launching his ninth world record attempt in Obergurgl: “The Golden 11” – 11 days/264 hours of nonstop skiing.

The start in Obergurgl/Hochgurgl in Tyrol was planned for November 19. It is now set to be postponed to November 30. Ideal snow conditions are not expected until the end of November. The safety of this exceptional athlete comes first. A higher risk of injury must be avoided. With a significant drop in temperature and fresh snow forecast, postponing the date seems sensible.

11 days of nonstop skiing. Such a marathon feat seems almost impossible for a human being. Extremely ideal conditions are essential. The world record holder and his team must be in top form. The best snow conditions, a top floodlit slope, and a nonstop lift system with staff are also required. The potential of the Obergurgl ski region in the Ötztal must be up to the task.

But 11 days nonstop means more than just skiing. The entire routine is governed by the slope and the lift. Eating, drinking, sleeping, personal care—all in the lift. Everything, including sleep, has to happen in just a few minutes! The rules prohibit stopping on the slope or waiting, for example, at the lift. Only five-minute breaks per completed hour are allowed. These minutes can be saved up. A half-hour break after six full hours of skiing would be possible. But daily medical checkups and basic human needs also have to be factored in. Everything is closely monitored.

Scientists are also keeping an eye on Christian Flühr. Monitoring devices record his data while he skis. The aim is to study what is “practically impossible.” Such spectacular attempts are also sure to attract intense media interest.