The MIS community recently gathered in the snowy peaks of Seefeld, Austria, to celebrate a historic milestone: the 50th Anniversary of the Heinrich Harrer Cup (HHC). What began in 1975 as a "bold, student-driven dream" has flourished into a "cherished tradition spanning half a century," uniting international school communities through "spirited competition, lasting friendships, and the pure thrill of racing down alpine slopes". This golden anniversary was uniquely special as it welcomed back generations of former athletes—not only from MIS, but also alumni representing Vienna International School (VIS) and Bavarian International School (BIS)—for a dedicated alumni ski race and reunion organized by MIS Alumni Manager Debbie Lawson, an MIS alumna (Class of 1986) and former ski team member.
The scale of the homecoming was a testament to the event's enduring legacy. Over 50 alumni braved the starting gate for a Giant Slalom race divided by decades. The nostalgia continued off the slopes, with nearly 100 alumni attending an après-ski happy hour, followed by a formal reception, dinner, and awards ceremony at the Sportalm.
The alumni race, a Giant Slalom divided by decades and gender, showcased that the competitive fire still burns bright among former MIS athletes. In the Women's categories, top honors went to Lola Herbig (Group 1), Melanie Barendregt-Glover (Group 2), Audrey Glover (Group 3), and Nikita Floc'hlay (Group 4). The Men’s leaderboards were topped by Peter Stickler (Group 1), Dominic Glover (Group 2), Matthew Mannarn (Group 3), and Kenzo Ota (Group 4),. A standout performance came from Gregory Vitrenko, who clocked the fastest overall total time of the day at 1:19.80. While the competition was fierce—featuring "top notch competition" from longtime rivals like Vienna International School (VIS)—the spirit of the day remained one of camaraderie, resulting in "awesome times" and, most importantly, "no injuries",. As one alumnus noted, it was a "true pleasure" to be back on the slopes, "reliving best memories and doing what we love most".
The buzz following the reunion race was filled with deep gratitude as alumni shared their heartfelt reflections. For many, it was a "true pleasure" to be back on the mountain, with one participant describing the day as having "great vibes, reliving best memories and doing what we love most … skiing!". Others called it a "magical Saturday in the snow and under the sun" that surpassed even the highest expectations; one alumnus noted they had been "hyped and looking forward to this weekend for months, and it turned out even more amazing than I had expected". The sense of belonging was palpable, with messages emphasizing that there is "something really special about the connection we all share" and describing the community bond as "priceless". As the weekend drew to a close, the enduring sentiment was best captured by a final cheer from MIS Board Member and alumni racer Tim Trampedech (Class of 1996): "Long live Harrer Cup, MIS and the MIS ski team!".
It was an evening defined by reflection and connection, proving that the HHC is about much more than finish times. As noted in the anniversary brochure, the heart of the race lies in the "early morning course inspections, laughter on the ski lifts, cheers at the finish line, and stories that grow richer with each passing year". This reunion highlighted a core truth of the MIS ski programme: "When you join the Ski Team for the first time, you always are part of the family".
The celebration also paid tribute to the visionaries who started it all—Wolfgang Vollath and Martin Rose (both Class of 1975), and Dan Glover (former MIS teacher & coach) —who, along with patron Heinrich Harrer, sought to create a competition "worthy of the effort and expense of long-distance travel". Their legacy of excellence was on full display as alumni shared memories of MIS’s unparalleled success, which included winning the overall team championship in 37 out of 50 years.
As the awards were handed out and the music began, it was clear that the "HHC spirit" remains as vibrant as ever. Whether they were there to "compete, to cheer, to reconnect, or to reminisce," every attendee was recognized as a vital part of this fifty-year legacy. As the community looks toward the next half-century, they do so with the understanding that "the story of the Heinrich Harrer Cup continues today with every run, every cheer, and every memory we create together".