Valentin Bontus, the kite Olympic champion, and ski legend Michaela Kirchgasser discussed their new promotional video, ‘Auffi muas i,’ during an exclusive interview. The video showcases Bontus skiing up a slope in Hinterglemm using his kite, while Kirchgasser serves as his mentor. They shared insights about the filming experience and their emotional connection to the recent Ski World Championship, highlighting the thrill of witnessing live races and the camaraderie sports bring.
In an exclusive interview, MeinBezirk had the pleasure of speaking with Valentin Bontus, the current kite Olympic champion, and ski legend Michaela Kirchgasser. They discussed the unveiling of their promotional video, ‘Auffi muas i,’ which features their thrilling adventures on the slopes. The film captures the excitement of Bontus skiing up the racing slope in Hinterglemm, using his kite to ascend from the finish line to the starting point.
SAALBACH HINTERGLEMM. As part of the 48th Ski World Championship festivities, Österreich Werbung, SalzburgerLand Tourism, and the Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn introduced the captivating promotional video. In this project, former ÖSV racer Michaela Kirchgasser and reigning kite Olympic champion Valentin Bontus served as the stars. The intent behind this engaging video was articulated by Astrid Steharnig-Staudinger, managing director of Österreich Werbung, during the presentation at the fan mile’s Center Stage: ‘We aim to ignite the red-white-red winter spirit.’ Another catchphrase for the film was ‘Carve it like Michi. Ride it like Vali,’ showcasing Bontus’s impressive ascent on skis, aided by his kite, on the Zwölferkogel slope. Kirchgasser took on the role of coach and mentor, which she described as an enjoyable experience in her interview with MeinBezirk after the video launch.
‘It’s hard to put into words how different and exciting the video shoot was for us. It was truly a unique experience,’ both Michaela Kirchgasser and Valentin Bontus shared in unison.
High Spirits and Laughter During Filming
‘The main challenge for me was being strict while ensuring that my explanations were clear and understandable. I’ve always been a visual learner, so it was vital for me to convey everything to Vali in a straightforward way,’ the charming Pongauer explained to MeinBezirk. For Valentin Bontus, who is gearing up for the Paris/Marseille 2024 Olympics, the challenge was merging the techniques of skiing and kitesurfing. ‘It took some time to adjust and find the right stance on the skis.’ Their chemistry was evident in the interview, highlighting that fun was a crucial element throughout the filming process.
Emotions Run Deep for Michaela Kirchgasser
When asked about her experience at the Ski World Championship in Saalbach Hinterglemm, Bontus beamed, stating, ‘I followed every race on TV, and witnessing it live is absolutely surreal. I also attended the World Cup in Kitzbühel, but a World Championship is a whole different level.’ Kirchgasser, who served as a stadium announcer, added, ‘I felt so emotionally invested in the outcomes – watching was much harder than skiing myself, especially since I know many of the athletes personally from my competitive days.’
She continued, ‘It was incredibly tense when Raphael Haaser took the lead in the giant slalom. I was cheering for him, fully aware of the pressure he felt—he made the right choice to go all out, and it paid off beautifully. When Timon Haugan almost stumbled at the second gate, the anxiety lifted, replaced by overwhelming joy for both me and Raphael. Now everyone knows how much I ‘suffered’ in the finish area!’ (followed by a hearty laugh).
A World Championship to Remember
‘This World Championship was nothing short of extraordinary, from the organization and atmosphere to the slopes themselves. It has truly demonstrated how sports bring us together,’ concluded Michaela Kirchgasser and Valentin Bontus with satisfied smiles at the end of their MeinBezirk interview in the ‘Home of Snow’ media center.
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