EMG / Gravity Media in Italy and Infront have recently renewed their contract, representing a strategic agreement that strengthens a long-standing collaboration.

This new deal covers the production of FIS World Cup events for the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 seasons, providing Infront Productions—the division of Infront that manages sports event production—with the tools and resources to cover disciplines such as alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, and freestyle & snowboarding in Italy and France.

The agreement represents a significant commitment, both in organisational and production terms, positioning EMG / Gravity Media Italy as a benchmark for technical excellence in the production of winter sports events.

Strategic Partnership with Infront

Claudio Cavallotti, Managing Director  of EMG / Gravity Media in Italy, stated: “This contract renewal consolidates the relationship between EMG / Gravity Media Italy and Infront, strengthening a partnership that combines technical expertise and strategic vision. This synergy ensures high production standards and enhances sports events, offering viewers a top-tier visual experience. We rely on cutting-edge technologies and impeccable organisation that merge experience, innovation, and the ability to manage complex operations in challenging environments. Alongside Infront Productions and through this renewed partnership, EMG / Gravity Media Italy reaffirms its central role in the TV production of winter sports events, especially in preparation for the upcoming 2026 Winter Games.”

The Organization

“As always, the logistical and production commitment is substantial,” Cavallotti continued. “We will produce 27 events in just three months (December, January, and February). Despite this challenge, we aim to ensure consistency and quality across all operational phases.”

The organization involves a significant number of professionals:

• A core internal team of 15 people specialised in winter sports productions.
• Nine dedicated unit managers working in the field for the entire season in close collaboration with Infront Productions’ production managers.
• Over 200 freelance professionals, many with expertise in the challenging conditions of mountain locations.
• More than 60 individuals for just two events, in Dobbiaco and Val di Fiemme.

Focus on Key Events

Highlights of the season include the Bormio stages with men’s Downhill and Super G races, and Cortina’s two thrilling women’s speed events, Downhill and Super G. Both locations will also serve as preludes to the Milan Cortina competitions.

In addition to these prestigious events, Nordic skiing competitions in the historic Italian locations of Val di Fiemme and Dobbiaco will take place during the Christmas period. Dobbiaco will host four stages, while Val di Fiemme will welcome three, including the spectacular climb to Alpe Cermis, an iconic feature of the Tour de Ski.

Antoine Bulos, Unit Manager for the event, commented: “The Tour de Ski production will be particularly demanding. There are seven races in just one week, spanning New Year’s Day to Epiphany. Advanced technologies will be heavily used, including 33 cameras for the Val di Fiemme stage, as well as RF cameras, steady-cams for complete and exciting coverage, and signals from cable cams, drones, and helicopter-mounted cameras.”

Seasonal Challenges and Resources

Each year, EMG / Gravity Media Italy involves new professionals in its TV productions, with a focus on young talents. However, producing snow-based competitions remains a substantial operational and organisational challenge.

One highlight is the Alpe Cermis event, starting from the Tesero Cross-Country Stadium the day after the Skiathlon competition. This event requires significant technical production, utilising 33 camera feeds along the route. Infront Productions’ camera plan includes specialised setups such as helicopter-mounted cameras, drones, ground micro-cameras, and skidoos, providing comprehensive and dynamic coverage.

RF systems using 4G and 5G backpack technology ensure smooth, high-quality footage of the climb. Signals from the cameras, transmitted via approximately 5 km of dark fiber, are centralised and managed by the Nova 126 mobile control room housed in a garage under the stadium. A support vehicle is also stationed in the underground area near Lago di Tesero for backup. This setup allows for secure operations, minimising difficulties caused by variable mountain weather conditions. Cameras along the course are mostly mounted on low scaffolds, with a few elevated stations located at the steepest sections for better perspectives on the climbs.

Infrastructure Innovation and Preparations

Preparations for the event begin as early as Friday 20th December , with a technical team handling the cabling required for the race taking place on Friday 3rd January . EMG / Gravity Media Italy lays approximately 15 km of fiber optics, working in adverse climatic conditions and often on snowy or icy terrain.

In anticipation, fiber optic infrastructure around Lago di Tesero has been revamped. Pre-existing networks were dismantled, requiring the installation of new dark fiber cables for the upcoming races. Fiber optics on the Alpe Cermis climb are already in place, leaving only cable extensions from terminal stations to camera locations.

The local support

The local Trentino Fiemme World Cup sports committee offers essential logistical support each year, providing resources such as snowmobiles and snowcats to transport materials to inaccessible areas. For the Alpe Cermis race from 3rd to 5th January, EMG / Gravity Media Italy will also use mobile unit, Nova 209 to oversee the climb to the summit finish line.

This vehicle will act as a hub for managing audio, video, data, and intercom signals generated by the 33 cameras used for the event. This configuration ensures efficient coordination and high-quality broadcasts, despite the large number of signals and challenging operational conditions.

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