The globes have been awarded, the season has come to an end, and both fans and teams now face a long summer break before the next one begins. However, following the off-season activities of the world’s top skiers is always fascinating. These activities vary widely—from fashion and environmental initiatives to music and, most importantly, supporting young athletic talent.
One of the standout events in this regard is undoubtedly the Žampa Cup, which took place last weekend at Štrbské Pleso, Slovakia. This competition is designed for young skiers aged 8 to 16, whether they come from ski clubs or are hobby racers. The event is organized by the Žampa brothers, a well-known name in Slovak skiing.
What sets the Žampa Cup apart is its professional-level execution. The top 16 skiers in each category not only competed but also took part in an official race photoshoot—just like in professional skiing events—featured in television broadcasts. The entire 10th edition of the competition was aired live on TV JOJ ŠPORT (which also holds broadcasting rights for most World Cup races), complete with high-quality graphics and expert commentary from Andreas Žampa. This attention to detail gave young racers a taste of World Cup-level competition, serving as a huge source of motivation. The finish line was filled with raw emotions, while the crowd of spectators added to the electric atmosphere.
« This event is amazing! Both of my kids raced today, and they really felt like they were part of something big—just like what they see on TV. They didn’t make it all the way to the top, but it was a great experience for them. Right now, they’re enjoying a hot chocolate while waiting for the autograph session, » shared one of the attending parents.
Beyond the racing itself, event partners made sure that regular visitors and parents were engaged as well. A variety of activities, refreshments, a raffle, and valuable prizes added to the lively atmosphere. Each race day concluded not only with an awards ceremony but also an autograph session featuring some of the biggest names in skiing.
The young competitors had the chance to meet Jan Zabystran, Martina Dubovská, Erika Pykäläinen, Andrej Barnáš, the Žampa brothers, and, as the main star, the newly crowned slalom champion Zrinka Ljutić.
Ljutić, who has been enjoying strong support from Slovak fans, made sure to acknowledge them in a live interview at the finish line and during the autograph session. « Winning the globe was a dream come true, and I’m so happy to share this moment with all of you here at the Žampa Cup, » she said, visibly moved. This wasn’t the first time she expressed her appreciation for Slovak fans—she did the same after her victory in Kranjska Gora, praising their energy and support.
The organizers—the Žampa brothers—also reflected on the event with great enthusiasm. According to them, more than 800 young skiers registered for the competition, a turnout that exceeded expectations. Despite some foggy conditions on Saturday, the weather held up, and the entire event unfolded in a positive and uplifting spirit.
Thanks to Darka Sefcik Starnova for this report about Žampa Cup.
