Italian Snow Volleyball Championships at Kronplatz
Do you think beach volleyball is exciting, but you have never heard of snow volleyball? Then you should come to Kronplatz between 12th and 14th April 2024: the finals of the Italian championships of this young and trendy sport will take place there.
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the summit of Kronplatz at an altitude of 2,275 metres, which is famous for skiing, will feature a winter sport that has only been practised for about 15 years. From 12 to 14 April 2024, the finals of the Italian U18 men's and women's Snow Volleyball Championships will take place here, starting at 10 a.m.
Kronplatz is a 360-degree panoramic mountain with fantastic views of the mountains.
Skirama Kronplatz | Thomas Leskoschek
The summit plateau of the Kronplatz offers enough space for a peace bell, snow volleyball court, spectators and more.
Skirama Kronplatz | Thomas LeskoschekExciting event
The SSV Bruneck boys have won the Italian Snowball Championships for the past two years, which is why the FIPAV (Italian Volleyball Federation) was immediately delighted when SSV Bruneck applied to host the final tournament. Planning for the tournament started already in the autumn of 2023. This was told to us by Klaus Seeber, sports director and coach of the SSV Bruneck volleyball section. He also provided us with other important information about Snow Volleyball and the sporting event at Kronplatz.
Markus, Michael, Peter and Thomas (from left) from SSV Bruneck won the Italian snow volleyball championship last year.
SSV Bruneck
Players in action at an earlier snow volleyball tournament at Kronplatz.
Skirama Kronplatz | Thomas Leskoschek
Football boots with studs give players the necessary grip on the snow.
Skirama Kronplatz | Conny KurthTrendy winter sports
Klaus explained that snow volleyball is similar to beach volleyball, but differs from this summer sport in a few respects. Snow volleyball (as the name suggests) is played on snow instead of sand.
In addition, a team consists of 3 players instead of 2 and a set lasts 15 instead of 21 points. Logically, the equipment is also different: in snow volleyball, players wear thermal underwear under their shirts and - very important for grip on snow - football boots with cleats.
Spectators can enjoy the exciting match together with the sun and the view very comfortably in a deckchair.
Skirama Kronplatz | Conny KurthThe field is roughly prepared with the snowcat; the snow cover must be at least 30 cm high. Nets, lines and banners are then installed. Irregularities in the snow are not only removed before, but also during the game.
However, playing on snow remains a particular challenge, as the surface constantly changes depending on temperature and sunlight.
A lot of hard-working hands are needed for a well-organised sporting event: around 40 helpers, ball-catchers and scorekeepers from SSV Bruneck will be in action at the Italian championship final.
Cheerleaders heat up the atmosphere.
Skirama Kronplatz | Thomas LeskoschekSport, fun and good atmosphere
Perhaps you are curious to find out who will win the Italian Snowball Championships 2024 and will be on Kronplatz this April weekend? On 14 April, the ski season at Kronplatz also comes to an end: you can enjoy the fun on the slopes of one of South Tyrol's best ski areas one last time and - before, after or in between - cheer on the snow volleyball players. Around 12 teams from SSV Bruneck alone will take part in the tournament.
A cool atmosphere with cheerleaders and music, deckchairs and a breathtaking panorama is guaranteed at the summit. And in mid-April there is a good chance of blue skies and bright sunshine.
