Šušteršič: Over 450 people contributed to the event

How satisfied are you with the event's execution?

We are very pleased to have delivered the event at such a high level. The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) also confirmed this. This year, nature was on our side with low temperatures that enabled the production of sufficient technical snow and excellent course preparation. We are particularly delighted that Slovenia has secured the event's domicile for the next decade.

What impressed you the most?

I am particularly impressed by the experienced team behind the event, which has honed its skills in Planica and is now bringing that expertise to Podkoren. Organizing a proper competition is not enough—we need to create an event that captivates the athletes, spectators on-site, and viewers at home. This year, we focused on enhancing the accompanying and entertainment programs, improving logistical arrangements for arrivals and departures, and in the coming years, we plan to pay even more attention to on-site activations, enhancing the user experience, and incorporating sustainable initiatives. I would like to point out great collaboration with ASK Kranjska Gora.

How were the reactions from domestic and international visitors, VIP guests, and sponsors regarding the organization of the two-day event?

More then 10.000 domestic and international spectators who watched the world’s best slalom and giant slalom skiers live underscores our efforts. Key stakeholders, including sponsors, as well as representatives of the local community and the state, recognized the event as an exceptional opportunity to showcase Slovenia’s tourism, economic, and sporting potential.

Are you satisfied with the attendance? Was there a noticeable increase compared to last year?

Attendance was significantly better than in recent years, but there is still room for improvement and further growth. If this trend aligns with successful performances by Slovenian athletes, the event could attract even larger crowds in the coming years. We all remember the era of the “Daring Slovenians” that brought fans from across the country to Maribor. We hope to replicate those golden times for Slovenian alpine skiing and use this as inspiration for future generations of young skiers.

Organizing such a major sporting event, which has gained even more prominence this year, requires a great deal of effort. How many people were involved in the project?

Last year, after relocating from Maribor to Kranjska Gora, we had only three months to prepare, so we couldn’t fully utilize our potential or implement all ideas. This year, we had a full year to prepare, building on the success of the previous event, which allowed us to adapt our activities accordingly. Nevertheless, it requires enormous effort from the entire team—those preparing the racecourse and those managing hospitality, logistics, and marketing. In total, over 450 people contributed to the event, and each deserves big thank you for their efforts.

Given the event’s growing recognition and the prominence of the race on the global stage, when and how will preparations for the 2025/2026 season’s women’s races begin? Will you aim even higher?

As is customary for such major events, preparations for the next edition begin even before the current one concludes. We use the ongoing event to lay the groundwork with key stakeholders. Some contractual arrangements are fixed years in advance, and we align our timeline accordingly. Thorough and timely preparation is essential for outstanding execution. Within the limits of our financial and staffing resources, we strive to raise the bar each year. Stagnation equates to regression, so we aim for continuous improvement to ensure increasing satisfaction for everyone involved year after year.