Historical milestones
The Grand Prix of Slovakia began its rich history in 1955. The first year was held in Vrátna in the Fatra region, and in subsequent years the race moved to the High Tatras. An important historical milestone was 1969, when the VCS was held for the first time as one stop of the World Cup series of competitions, thus gaining a reputation in world skiing circles. Paradoxically, a year later, due to the organization of the World Championships (MS) in classic disciplines in Štrbské Pleso, the event was not held. In 1974, the 19th year went down in the history of ski competitions as the final of the World Cup for men and women in slalom and giant slalom. The race was broadcast live on television, and the legendary Ingemar Stenmark also honored the Tatras with his visit, taking 2nd place in all disciplines (slalom, giant slalom and combined). A year later, the event enjoyed growing popularity, when the 20th VCS on Hrebienok was watched by a record number of spectators climbing to 5,000. Another important milestone of the event was made in history in 1978 as the final of the European Cup in the men's and women's competition, and almost 200 competitors from 21 countries took part, which was an absolute record in the history of international competition in alpine disciplines to date. In 1980, the third World Cup in the twenty-five-year history of the event was held in the Tatra Mountains. The fifth World Cup was held in 1986 as part of the thirtieth year. In total, the Grand Prix of Slovakia was held 8 times as a European Cup and 6 times as a World Cup race.
The Slovak Grand Prix overcame adverse weather conditions during its seventy years, when the race was completely cancelled in 1961, and in the 17th year in 1972, due to a lack of snow on Hrebienok, firefighters helped by spraying water from sprinklers to simulate snow on the upper meadow. An exceptionally important skiing figure associated with the Slovak Grand Prix was Ladislav Harvan. The chairman of the Slovak Ski Association and vice-chairman of the federal association (in 1986–1992), he participated in the organization of all major ski events in the High Tatras for decades. His heart's content was the Slovak Grand Prix in downhill skiing for more than half a century, where he was the race director for 26 years. Ivan Petrovič, who was part of the Slovak Grand Prix for 47 years and the race director from 1993 to 2022, took over the baton from him.
A new stage in the mecca of winter sports at Štrbské pleso
In 1998, the event moved to Štrbské Pleso. Even well-known Slovak names did not miss the prestigious ski event. In 2007, Jana Gantnerová dominated the giant slalom. At the 55th anniversary event in 2010, the hope of Slovak skiing, Adam Žampa, presented himself on the new slope at Furkot, and sensationally won the slalom. A year later, only 15-year-old Petra Vlhová took second place in the slalom.
In 2022, a rejuvenated organizing committee led by Viktor Kosmák took over the management of the race . "The 70th anniversary of the Slovak Grand Prix is a great honor for us. This event not only represents a strong tradition of Slovak skiing, but also offers an opportunity to highlight Slovakia and our great ski resorts. We are proud to be part of the FIS calendar and every year we host more and more competitors not only from neighboring countries. On average, around 150 participants come, representing countries such as the Czech Republic, Poland, Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria, Slovenia, but also the United States of America," said event director Viktor Kosmák.
The Slovak Skiing Association invites all skiing fans to the 70th anniversary event, which will take place, also thanks to the support of the Sports Support Fund, on March 10 and 11, 2025 at Štrbské Pleso on the Solisko-Furkota slope.
PROGRAM of the 70th Slovak Grand Prix
Sunday, March 9, 2025
19:30 – Starting number drawing
Monday, March 10, 2025
9:00 – Men's Giant Slalom – Round 1
12:00 – Men's Giant Slalom – Round 2
10:30 – Women's Giant Slalom – Round 1
13.30 – Women's Giant Slalom – Round 2
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
9:00 – men's slalom – 1st round
12:00 – men's slalom – round 2
10:30 – women's slalom – round 1
1:30 PM – women's slalom – round 2
15:00 – 70th VCS Awards Ceremony
Event website: www.velkacenaslovenska-fis.org
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