Army, Civil Defence and Organising Committee hand in hand

The Swiss Army and Civil Defence are among the most committed supporters of the women's World Cup in Crans-Montana. Without their total commitment, which is greatly appreciated, "we would not have any World Cup races", says Marius Robyr, president of the Organising Committee.

Some 220 members of the army - one company from the Reconnaissance Battalion 1 and another from the Patrouille des Glaciers Command - as well as 60 people from Civil Protection are involved in the women's World Cup Classic. All these people actively help make the event a success.

"Once again this year, all these people are highly motivated and do an excellent job," says Edgar Gillioz (left on the photo below), praising the tireless assistance provided by the army and Civil Protection. The upper Valais local Damian Walker, who has been in charge of this area of the Organising Committee since 2016, speaks the same language, as he is a retired Lieutenant-Colonel. This is an important factor in helping to ensure that the forces involved interact as smoothly as possible.

"There are sometimes very long days, starting at 4am on the pistes due to snowfall. You can demand this of the military. We couldn't do it with volunteers, we wouldn't find the numbers," adds Edgar Gillioz.

DEPREZphoto sa, cransmontana/Frédéric Dubuis