By claiming her second podium this winter in Åre, Michelle Gisin has proved – if any further proof was needed – that she is back on top form. It is now certain that she will continue to ski in all disciplines right to the end.

It's something we’ve come to expect this winter, but once again Michelle Gisin was smiling at the finish line of a World Cup slalom, this time in Åre. As well as claiming her second podium of the winter after Lienz, the skier from Engelberg confirmed her status as one of the world's best slalom specialists. Currently fourth in the discipline rankings, she has only finished outside the top 6 on three occasions in ten races this season.

The first course by Swiss coach Denis Wicki obviously suited her, but the second, staked out by Livio Magoni, could have cost her dearly. However this wasn’t the case, as although she let Mikaela Shiffrin - in her 'comeback'- streak ahead, and the great Croatian hope Zrinka Ljutić also got ahead of her, she managed to beat Germany's Lena Dürr and Sweden's Anna Swenn-Larsson by 0.01 and 0.02 respectively.

Brief but efficient training

"It's just so cool," she exclaimed. "There was also a bit of luck involved today because I don't have much of a margin over those chasing me, but it's quite incredible to be able to be so consistent. I'm really surprised by this consistency." It has to be said that last summer, Michelle Gisin had planned to put slaloms on hold. She didn’t train very much in the discipline, in all she ended up with three days in Ushuaïa, two in Diavolezza and a few runs in Levi before the start of the season."But I was lucky, especially in Ushuaïa, where we had great conditions," says the double Olympic combined champion. "And I just needed to do a few turns to get my feeling back."

There's now no question of drawing a line under this discipline which has given her so much (notably 9 of her 21 World Cup podium finishes). "I'm not going to give up slalom, that's for sure," she confirms."Obviously, it would probably be better to do just three disciplines, but I really don't know which to stop. Giant is my least favourite discipline at the moment, but I'm sure I'll be able to get back to my best level. Besides, it's the foundation, so you have to do it anyway. And my second worst discipline at the moment is downhill, but I love it and you have to do it for the super-G so...I'm not going to put anything aside, I'm too 'old' for that. Besides, I'd rather ski in a race than train during the winter."

"I managed to hang on in there when things weren’t going so well."

Michelle Gisin has made up her mind. She just has to hope that her versatility continues alongside her consistency.

"My season has been extremely positive so far," she continues."Last year, I managed to hang on in there when things weren't going so well, and that's paying off today. I'm very proud and happy.I fought hard, and I'm back in the top 10 overall (editor's note: 9th). And her injury in Cortina d'Ampezzo didn't affect her that much in the end."I didn't think I'd be able to come back so quickly, but I've worked hard for it, and my whole team has helped me in the process."

Without getting ahead of herself, the skier from Engelberg is already looking to the future, and is delighted to be continuing to evolve with the speed team, which she joined last summer. "Also there's a way of putting together a group that will focus a little more on the Giant. Jasmina (Suter) is truly a queen of the Giant, Priska (Nufer), Jasmine (Flury) and Corinne (Suter) are also capable of going fast in this discipline. They all know how to ski really well. " We haven't heard the last of Michelle Gisin's exploits, and that's excellent news.

Photos: Agence Zoom

It was a great ski party! !

A big thank you to all those who contributed in any way to the success of the Audi FIS World Cup ski races 2023 in Crans-Montana, despite the postponement of the downhill on Saturday. Congratulations to you girls, you were fantastic!

(Advertising in French only)

Video: SkiActu

As Austria’s Stephanie Venier wins the Super-G on Sunday, the World Cup weekend in Crans-Montana came to a perfect close, in glorious weather once again.

The last dance was a most dignified one for Organising Committee president Marius Robyr and vice president Hugo Steinegger. It was another emotional day for the pair, so deserving of the races in Crans-Montana.

The organisers welcomed some 37,000 spectators to Crans-Montana over the three days of racing, including the Friday and Saturday evening ceremonies at the Ycoor ice rink, which were very well attended too. Once again, Valais proved that it really is a canton with a huge number of sports fans.

Lara Gut-Behrami, a superstar on home soil

Although her fatigue was visible as the races progressed, Lara Gut-Behrami was the top Swiss competitor in all three races. From a Swiss point of view, the highlight was the first downhill on Friday, when Lara Gut-Behrami took first place ahead of Jasmine Flury, for a phenomenal Swiss one-two finish.

It was an Italian win for Marta Bassino in Saturday's downhill,with Federica Brignone, who is always excellent in Crans-Montana, just behind her, followed by Lara Gut-Behrami in third place, by now clearly in the lead in the overall World Cup rankings.

Finally, on Sunday it was Stephanie Venier who put on the show, this time beating the Italian duo Federica Brignone and Marta Bassino.

Now it’s the men’s turn

For once, it's the men and not the women who will be coming to Crans-Montana in the 2024-2025 World Cup season, led by the talented Marco Odermatt. A downhill and a Giant are planned on the Nationale piste. We're already looking forward to the next festival of skiing in Crans-Montana!

 DEPREZ-DUBUIS photo / Video: SkiActu (only in French)

Austria's Stephanie Venier finished on the top step of the podium in the Super-G at Crans-Montana. She beat Italy's Federica Brignone and Marta Bassino by a narrow margin. Lara Gut-Behrami, the top Swiss, finished in 6th place.

It's (almost) the same story all over again. Italy's Federica Brignone and Marta Bassino once again finished on the podium in the Crans-Montana Super-G on Sunday. However they were relegated to 2nd and 3rd places, by 0.04 and 0.15 respectively, by Stephanie Venier.This was the Austrian's second win of the season, and the third of her career. The 30-year-old managed to find the key to the Mont Lachaux piste, which has really suffered with the weather over the last few days.

The Italians once again proved that they feel at home in Crans-Montana. Federica Brignone took second place on the podium for the second time in two days. In doing so, she consolidated her third place in the rankings for the discipline. Marta Bassino confirmed that she is at ease in Valais, after winning Saturday's downhill.

As for the Swiss, Lara Gut-Behrami gave the best performance, finishing in 6th place. Jasmina Suter, Michelle Gisin and Priska Nufer finished a little further down the rankings, in 21st, 22nd and 25th places. The other Swiss, including Noémie Kolly, were all eliminated.

DEPREZ-DUBUIS Photo / Video: SkiActu

The Brignone family, united by skiing

One family that loves coming back to Crans-Montana year after year is the Brignone family. This weekend, Mum Maria-Rosa 'Ninna' Quario was in Crans-Montana to cheer on her daughter Federica, who finished on the podium twice, much to the delight of her brother – and coach – Davide.

Skiing has always been a family affair for the Brignone family, which has generations of champions in the family. Ninna finished on the World Cup podium fifteen times in the 1980s, before embarking on a career as a ski journalist. Davide skied in the European Cup, before becoming official coach for his older sister Federica, one of the greatest Italian skiers of all time.

Skiing is a passion that binds the family from the Aosta Valley together, and they enjoy meeting up on snowy slopes. Let’s meet the family.

Lara Gut-Behrami: "It was a very intense weekend".

Lara Gut-Behrami rounded off the races in Crans-Montana with a 6th place in the Super-G, and said she was happy that the weekend was over.

The Super-G was complicated for Lara Gut-Behrami. She couldn't find solutions on the Valais course, not least because of the very soft snow at the top of the Mont Lachaux piste. "I didn't interpret the snow very well. It was a little softer than I expected, and I should have been a bit more flexible on my skis", she added.

Despite her result falling short of her expectations in Sunday's Super-G, Lara Gut-Behrami felt it was a successful weekend overall in the three races, which included a 1st and 2nd place in the two downhill races. However she was a little relieved too that the weekend, and those three races, are now behind her . "It was a very intense weekend, it was very hard for everyone. I'll take the good results and the skiing, but I can't hide the fact that I'm relieved it's over."

Valuable points for the overall standings

Lara Gut-Behrami managed to secure the essential in Crans-Montana by scoring 200 points in three races, enough to extend her lead over Mikaela Shiffrin at the top of the overall World Cup standings, but for the moment it’s not on her mind. “The only thing I'm thinking about is skiing. I'm looking at what I did today and what I can improve for next time, as well as the next races.”

After this gruelling weekend, Lara Gut-Behrami is going to make the most of being at home for a few days to try and recover as much as possible. Her next races, two Super-Gs, will be at Val di Fassa, in a week's time.

During the Women's World Cupaces in Crans-Montana, a young Ski CValais athlete was able to take an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the White Circus.

Nolan Meyer, an U16 athlete from the Anzère Crans-Montana CRP, was able to explore the roles of the different people who work around the world's best athletes, From the preparation of the slope to the Swiss team's ski room, to one of Le Nouvelliste newspaper's sport journalist, relive Nolan's day on the Mont lachaux piste in pictures.

Video (only in French): 360DSM Sàrl/Etienne Bornet

There was a phenomenal atmosphere for the Oesch's die Dritten concert in Crans-Montana on Saturday at the sold-out World Cup Party.

Almost 1,000 people came to enjoy the legendary Swiss-German group’s music, and their singer Mélanie’s yodelling, and they were treated to a wonderful show

Another musical treat, ‘Die Fetzig’n aus dem Zillertal’, the famous Austrian trio, where there to warm up the audience at the beginning of the evening.  

It was an emotional evening full of music that will go down as one of the highlights of the World Cup weekend in Crans-Montana.

Video: SkiActu

Marta Bassino skied a fine race to win the second downhill in Crans-Montana, in an exuberant atmosphere on Saturday. The Italian beat her compatriot Federica Brignone,andalso Lara Gut-Behrami, who finished on her 13th podium this winter.

The Swiss flags were out in force in Crans-Montana on Saturday, but the Italians were not to be outdone…and their flags were needed to celebrate an outstanding performance by the Italians on the Mont Lachaux piste. Marta Bassino dominated the second downhill in the Valais resort with a near-perfect run. Starting with the number 3 bib, the 27-year-old put her technical skills to good use in order to claim her first victory in the discipline.

Marta Bassino from Val d’Aosta finished 0.54 in front of her compatriot Federica Brignone, who despite starting with bib number 13, managed to add a new chapter to the story of her love affair with Crans-Montana by claiming her 8th podium finish in the resort. Since 2017, the 33-year-old has always finished on the podium here (with just one exception, in 2022). With this result, she also strengthens her third place in the overall World Cup rankings.

Lara Gut-Behrami is still in the lead in the overall classification, although she was tired on Saturday and showed a few flaws. She nevertheless claimed her 13th podium this winter, finishing 1.11 behind the winner, and she also takes the lead in the World Cup downhill rankings ahead of Sofia Goggia, who has been forced to end her season. The skier from Ticino could well walk away with four Globes at the end of the winter (!): the overall, downhill, Super-G and the Giant.

There were surprises from a few competitors on Saturday, including a fourth place for the astonishing Bosnian Elvedina Muzaferija, who just missed the podium by 0.11, sealing her first ever World Cup top 10 on her favourite piste, as well as Laura Pirovano, who ensured that three Italians finished in the top 5.

The day after her fantastic 2nd place, Jasmine Flury didn’t manage to repeat her feat. The world champion only managed 19^th place this time. Stephanie Jenal (24^th), Noémie Kolly (25^th) and Delia Durrer (29^th) finished further back. Priska Nufer (38^th), Jasmina Suter (39^th) and Michelle Gisin (40^th) also lagged behind.

DEPREZ-DUBUIS photo / Videos: SkiActu

The Swiss Army's commitment to the World Cup and European Cup events in Crans-Montana has been unwavering since 2006.

This year, some 220 military personnel are once again working around the clock to set up the infrastructure and prepare and maintain the Mont-Lachaux piste.

Long-serving soldiers involved

In 2024, a battalion made up of long-serving soldiers was called up. Many of these soldiers have already been deployed over the past few weeks for Ski World Cup events in Adelboden and Wengen, as well as the WEF in Davos. Colonel Roger Haupt, cantonal chief of staff for the Valais Territorial Liaison, and Major Quentin Berthouzoz are responsible for deploying the troops.

Colonel Sébastien Neuhaus, Disaster Relief Commander of Intervention Battalion 204, is in charge in Crans-Montana itself, while Captain Ulrich Nyffeler is in charge of the company. The "Piste" division (120 soldiers) is led by First Lieutenant Curdin Berther.

The best possible reward

Working with the "highly motivated military" has as usual been excellent and problem-free, says Edgar Gillioz, who has been in charge of contact with the army for the Organising Committee since 2011.

The president of the Organising Committee, Marius Robyr, also emphasises the role played by the army in the races at Crans-Montana: "Their commitment and support is essential for us, and is very much appreciated.” In the first downhill on Friday, brilliant performances by Lara Gut-Behrami and Jasmine Flury were, from a local point of view, the best possible reward for the tremendous commitment of everyone involved.

DEPREZphoto sa, cransmontana

Skiing is a family affair for the Gisins. For once, Michelle, Dominique and Marc were all in Crans-Montana at the same time. It's not often that the trio are together in the same resort.
 
It was a rare opportunity to look at a few memories shared by the three siblings, all of whom have raced - and enjoyed success - in the World Cup.
 
Who is the most successful skier in the Gisin family? Everyone has their own opinion...but for our ambassador Michelle Gisin, Marc and Dominique have always been - and are still - her idols.

Video: SkiActu (only in French)

There was Swiss success in the first race on the Mont Lachaux piste, as well as a great atmosphere. Lara Gut-Behrami came first, ahead of Jasmine Flury, who tied in second place with Austria’s Cornelia Hütter.

It was quite a spectacle in Crans-Montana on Friday! Lara Gut-Behrami put in a top-class performance on the Mont Lachaux piste in a fantastic atmosphere, thanks in particular to quite a few schoolchildren being present. In spring-like conditions, the skier from Comano in Ticino claimed her 44t^h World Cup win.

Despite the fact that the snow had softened slightly due to the warm temperatures, Lara Gut-Behrami managed a clean run, picking up a lot of speed thanks to daring trajectories, to finish 0.21 ahead of her teammate Jasmine Flury and Austria’s Cornelia Hütter, who tied in 2nd place. With this win, Lara Gut-Behrami extends her lead over Mikaela Shiffrin in the overall World Cup rankings. The American is now more than 100 points behind.

 A fine performance for Jasmine Flury

After her victory in the downhill at Val d’Isère at the start of the season, Jasmine Flury was looking for another sound result in the discipline. With this, the World Champion secured her fourth World Cup podium. Despite a slightly sluggish upper section, she made up for it on the lower section of the Mont Lachaux piste, to finish in a second place tie with Cornelia Hütter.

Priska Nufer took a nice 7th place, while the rest of the Swiss team finished a little further behind. Noémie Kolly finished in an excellent 24^th place, ahead of Michelle Gisin (26t^h) and Delia Durrer (28^th). Janine Schmitt finished 35t^h, followed by Stephanie Jenal (41^st) and Jasmina Suter (43^rd).

DEPREZ-DUBUIS photo

Due to the high temperatures, and in order to preserve the finish line for the weekend's downhill and super-G races - and above all to ensure the safety of the 49 athletes at the start of the first World Cup downhill in Crans-Montana - the jury, in agreement with the Organising Committee, has decided to record race times at the last split time.

This means in concrete terms, that there will be no pressure for the athletes in the last four gates. The spectacle still promises to be impressive, as the Mont Lachaux piste is in perfect condition this Friday morning.

Spectators will be able to follow the skiers all the way to the finish, and see them cross the 'virtual line', which is located in the middle of the final wall.

Ester Ledecká was injured last season, and she’s often been ill this winter, but she was back in Crans-Montana with a smile on her face last week in the European Cup. The Czech took 2nd place in the first downhill on the Mont Lachaux piste, and she was also the fastest in training for the World Cup downhills on Thursday this week.

The double Olympic snowboard Super-G and parallel giant champion (PyeongChang 2018) has had a turbulent relationship with Crans-Montana. However since her slow start in 2016, the skier from Liberec has done more than just come to terms with the Valais resort…she has four podium finishes in Crans-Montana to her name, including a win.

The versatile 28-year-old athlete particularly appreciates the Swiss public. She likes the fact that the Valais fans support all the athletes as they cross the Mont Lachaux finish line. We look forward to seeing you on Friday to applaud this great champion once again!

Vidéo: SkiActu

Ester Ledecká and Lara Gut-Behrami were the two fastest athletes in the second downhill training session in Crans-Montana on Thursday.

The level of competition went up a notch in the second downhill training session in Crans-Montana on Thursday. Still under predominantly sunny skies, and on a piste that held up perfectly despite high temperatures, the time trial (which was brought forward by half an hour) provided an opportunity for two skiers who have previously  won on the Mont Lachaux piste to gain confidence. The first was Ester Ledecká, who set the fastest time. The Czech star, who won here in 2022, is regaining her form and sensation after a curtailed winter. Her participation in the European Cup races in Crans-Montana last week may well have helped.

Behind Czech Ledeckà, Lara Gut-Behrami, three-time winner in Crans-Montana, showed her strength, finishing the fastest Swiss athlete once again. The World Cup leader continued to build on her momentum, even though a little end-of-season fatigue may slowly be setting in. Gut-Behrami took 2nd place, two tenths behind Ledecká, and Norway's Ragnhild Mowinckel and American Jacqueline Wiles shared third place. Italy's Federica Brignone, who feels very much at home on in Crans-Montana, finished 5th. 

As for the Swiss, Priska Nufer (21st), Michelle Gisin (24th) and Jasmine Flury (25th) all finished in the top 30. It’s now time for the races in Crans-Montana. The first downhill is scheduled for Friday morning at 10.30 on the Mont Lachaux piste.

DEPREZ-DUBUIS photo

The first training session in the Crans-Montana World Cup downhill races went perfectly on Wednesday in sunny Valais.

Despite the warm temperatures, the Mont Lachaux piste held up well for the skiers who were there to test the piste, which was salted to ensure optimum conditions for all the athletes present.

Federica Brignone, Michelle Gisin, Romane Miradoli, Ilka Stuhec and Kira Weidle, the fastest skier of the day, all enjoyed themselves on the Mont Lachaux piste.

Vidéo SkiActu

The first training session for the Women's World Cup downhill races in Crans-Montana took place in glorious sunshine. Despite the very warm weather on Wednesday morning, the piste was in perfect condition for the skiers, who raced from top to bottom down the Mont Lachaux piste.

It was Germany's Kira Weidle, who has never really been that comfortable on the Haut-Plateau previously, who set the fastest time. She beat Norway's Ragnhild Mowinckel and Italy's Federica Brignone by 0.09 and 0.19 hundredths respectively.

The top fifteen skiers finished in the same second. The best Swiss athlete was Lara Gut-Behrami, who took 9th place, 0.64 behind the race leader. Priska Nufer, who won the downhill title two years ago, was 14th. Jasmine Flury (18th), Delia Durrer (26th) and Jasmina Suter (27th) all finished in the top 30.

DEPREZ-DUBUIS photo

After the European Cup races, it's time for the women's World Cup competitions this week in Crans-Montana. The first training session is set for Wednesday morning at 10.30 on the Mont Lachaux piste.

Since the end of the continental competitions, the organisers and the FIS have been working around the clock on the track in the Haut-Plateau resort to ensure that the snow surface is perfect for the world's top female skiers. Which is quite a challenge, given the high temperatures in Valais.

However the organising committee is resolutely confident, as the piste has already been excellently prepared in advance. Jean-Philippe Vulliet, race director, explains the procedures used to keep the piste in perfect condition.

DEPREZphoto sa, cransmontana  / Vidéo: SkiActu (only in French)

Nine Swiss have been selected for the two women’s downhill and Super-G races in Valais next weekend, including Lara Gut-Behrami and Michelle Gisin.

Lara Gut-Behrami will of course be the Swiss headliner in Crans-Montana next week. The athlete from Ticino will be one of the main favourites in the three races on the Mont Lachaux piste, and the leader of the overall World Cup standings will be looking to extend her lead over Mikaela Shiffrin (who will be absent from this year's races in Crans-Montana), having already won three times, in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Kronplatz and Soldeu. The Olympic Super-G champion has also won three times previously on this piste.

Lara Gut-Behrami isn’t the only Swiss representative aiming for a podium finish between Friday and Sunday in the two downhill and Super-G events on the programme. Jasmine Flury also has her sights set on the top rung, and the reigning downhill world champion has confirmed her position this winter with her win in Val d'Isère. Priska Nufer will be returning to the place of her 2022 victory - her only World Cup podium - when to everyone's surprise, she won the downhill.

Another Obwalden native will be delighted to see "her" public again. The event's ambassador, Michelle Gisin, will indeed be taking part, despite her fall a few weeks ago in Cortina d'Ampezzo. The double Olympic combined champion has just made an excellent 4th place comeback in the slalom in Soldeu this Sunday, just 0.05 away from the podium. She will be testing herself during the training sessions scheduled on Wednesday and Thursday to see if she feels ready to compete in the races in Crans-Montana. The same goes for Noémie Kolly, who is more confident in the Super-G than the downhill this winter.

As for Nidwalden’s Delia Durrer, she will be looking to build on her third-place finish in Sunday’s second European Cup downhill on the Mont Lachaux piste. She has yet to score any points in the World Cup in Valais. Stephanie Jenal, Jasmina Suter and Janine Schmitt complete the strong Swiss contingent, which will be missing Corinne Suter, Joana Hählen and Malorie Blanc. The Valais local was due to make her World Cup debut in front of her home crowd, but unfortunately suffered an injury in the European Cup on Sunday.

Photos: Agence Zoom

Crans-Montana has passed the FIS inspection of the Mont Lachaux piste with flying colours. Two downhills and a super-G are scheduled in two weeks' time in the Valais resort.  

There were no unpleasant surprises: the women's World Cup races in Crans-Montana will take place in two weeks' time - the resort passed the FIS inspection on Saturday morning. Despite the recent rising temperatures in Central Europe, the Mont Lachaux piste is in excellent condition, with 1.5 metres of snow on the entire course. The organisers have been preparing the course for just over a month to ensure everything runs smoothly for the competitions, and this week the safety nets were erected on the piste.

Two downhills and a super-G are programmed in the Valais resort, they promise to provide a spectacular show and in addition the suspense will be building in the race for the crystal globe. Lara Gut-Behrami, Federica Brignone and Sofia Goggia, who have often done well in Crans-Montana in previous editions, will be looking to score valuable points for the overall classification, bearing in mind that it is not yet certain that American Mikaela Shiffrin will have recovered from her fall in Cortina d'Ampezzo last week.

The European Cup first, with Malorie Blanc and Noémie Kolly

Before the World Cup races however, there’s the European Cup. Two downhill races are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. The recently-crowned world junior super-G champion Malorie Blanc and Noémie Kolly will be competing in these two races. The two Swiss-French skiers are also expected to take part in the World Cup in two weeks' time.

Preparations for the forthcoming European Cup races (February 10/11) and Women’s World Cup races (February 16-18) are well underway at all levels in Crans-Montana. The president of the Organising Committee, Marius Robyr, was enthusiastic as he shared his motivation with the 99 department heads and their deputies preparing for their tasks at a final meeting before the competitions.

The Mont Lachaux piste is currently in excellent condition, with enough snow (1m to 1m50), assured the technical department, led by Stéphane Robyr. The Organising Committee has great help from a Civil Protection detachment and 220 military personnel who will be carrying out a wide range of tasks, not just during the races, but also well before and after the event. Their main tasks will be to build the infrastructure and prepare and maintain the piste. They will all be under the command of Colonel Sébastien Neuhaus, commander of the Disaster Response Battalion 204 (Batallion d'intervention en cas de catastrophe 204 (Bat interv acc 204)).

This year’s Women's World Cup will also be an opportunity to celebrate skiing on the Haut-Plateau. Accompanied by a wonderful entertainment programme, ceremonies will take place on the Friday and Saturday evenings (February 16 and 17) at the Ycoor ice rink in Montana, featuring the top female skiers in the world. Spectators will also be able to enjoy themselves in the Sponsors’ Village at the foot of the Violettes gondola, where games, food and music will provide pre- and post-race entertainment for fans. And let's not forget the attractive World Cup Party on Saturday evening, February 17, at Le Régent Sports Centre, starring Oesch's die Dritten and Die Fetzig'n aus dem Zillertal. We highly recommend that you purchase your ticket at www.skicm-cransmontana.ch or from any of the Crans-Montana Tourism and Congress offices.

This year's races mark the end of a fantastic 18-year World Cup adventure for Marius Robyr. With an ever more competent Organising Committee, the dynamic and charismatic brigadier has kept the three promises he made to the municipalities on the Valais Haut-Plateau in the early 2000s: to organise European Cup and World Cup races every year, to establish the races as World Cup Classics, and for the FIS to award them the organisation of the Alpine World Ski Championships in 2027. There was an emotional moment at the end of the session when all those present stood up together to give Marius Robyr a well-deserved standing ovation.

DEPREZphoto sa, cransmontana

18 days to go ! The preparations continue on the Mont Lachaux piste, just under three weeks to the women's World Cup races, which will include two downhills and a Super-G, between 16 and 18 February.

The piste, which will be welcoming the best female skiers in the world, is in perfect condition. Now it's time for the final preparations to ensure the competitors’ safety, and to make sure the show is the very best possible.

We strongly recommend that you purchase your grandstand tickets in advance for the competitions, as there aren't many places left. The stands are already sold out on February 17, but it will still be possible to access all the other spectator areas, both in the finish area and along the piste (free access).

DEPREZphoto sa, cransmontana

The preparation of the Mont Lachaux piste for the women's races in Crans-Montana is in full swing. And the conditions are ideal. "The piste is exceptional. There's more than enough snow everywhere," says Stéphane Robyr, technical manager for the competitions, assuring us that collaboration with CMA is also going wonderfully well.

Two machines have been working on the track almost around the clock for three weeks. Three more machines arrive on Monday. They will each take one of the five sectors of the Mont Lachaux piste, which is still open to the public. "We're widening the piste as much as possible to make sure the nets are in place before the races. Even if the weather were to deteriorate, the piste won't deteriorate given the hard work we're doing."

Prior to the women's World Cup classic on February 16-18, which includes two downhill and a Super-G, the European Cup will move in for two women's downhills on February 10 and 11.

DEPREZphoto sa, cransmontana

The traditional meeting of all the heads of the resort and their deputies for the European Cup and World Cup races in Crans-Montana always takes place shortly before Christmas. OC president Marius Robyr took centre stage, preparing his team for the races with motivational speeches, and highlighting important areas of the organisation. In 2024, there will be two downhills in the Women's European Cup (9/10 February) and two downhills in the Women's World Cup Classic (16/17 February), as well as a super-G (18 February).

By way of an introduction to the meeting, warm thanks were extended to the one member of the Organising Committee who was leaving after many years of dedication, and a warm welcome was extended to new members. Since the launch in 2008 of the new era of the Ski World Cup in Crans-Montana, Marius Robyr has attached great importance to maintaining an excellent team spirit within the organising committee. The same also applies to the close and efficient collaboration with Crans-Montana Operations, the CMA ski lifts, the Swiss army (on average 200 soldiers are deployed on World Cup training and race days), the civil protection, Crans-Montana Tourism and Congress, not forgetting the Haut-Plateau authorities and the canton of Valais as well as Swiss-Ski and FIS partners.

After looking back at the events of 2023, and their share of surprises, as well as presenting the 2024 edition - the last of his era - Marius Robyr handed the microphone to Alicia Saliba, who was there to present her interesting Bachelor in Tourism thesis on the theme ‘A study of the perception of the FIS Women's Alpine Ski World Cup in the host resort of Crans-Montana’. Then it was the turn of the two leaders of the 2027 World Championships OC, Didier Défago, CEO, and Daniel Bollinger, Operations Director, to outline what the 2027 World Championships will entail, and the long and winding road that lies ahead. The meeting ended, as is often the case in Valais, with a generous and enjoyable aperitif.

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Wintry temperatures sets in gently, and it's important to wrap up warm with a cosy woolly hat.

The Crans-Montana World Cup woolly hat is here! It comes in a different colour scheme every year, the 2024 version has multicoloured stripes that are a nod to the colours in previous years. Frankly, it's great!

With the festive season approaching, here's an idea for a handy, comfortable gift that you can place under the Christmas tree.

You can buy it and the headbands (burgundy or blue) from Crans-Montana Tourism and Congress for CHF 20.00.

If you join the friendly and welcoming « Friends of the Crans-Montana World Cup » group, you'll receive one free of charge. Info and membership: here.

How could major sporting events be organised without the invaluable help of volunteers? Crans-Montana and its downhill skiing events are no exception. All these people provide invaluable and much-appreciated work during the many hours of preparation and competition required to ensure that everything runs smoothly.

Every year, the organising committee takes time to thank them sincerely for their commitment by inviting them to the traditional raclette evening at La Bergerie du Cervin. Musical accompaniment for the evening was provided by the Illgrabu Örgeler from Susten in the Upper Valais, and it was Marius Robyr, president of the organising committee, who thanked the volunteers and outlined the 2024 programme, adding a touch of humour and encouragement to his words.

The Crans-Montana "Bénéclub" is always delighted to welcome new members, and each additional person who registers either for the races or for the 2024 training sessions, is an invaluable aid to the organising committee. If you’re interested in joining us and playing an active role in the European Cup and World Cup events in Crans-Montana, you’ll find the registration form here: https://www.skicm-cransmontana.ch/en/volunteers-2024/

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For years, the World Cup ski races in Crans-Montana have had an official woolly ski hat, which changes colour every edition, as well as a refined menu in a well-known local restaurant and an excellent red and white "World Cup" wine. From 2024 onwards, the new official partner for this fine wine will be Provins, Switzerland's leading wine producer, and one of the main companies in Valais. Provins harvests grapes from nearly 700 hectares of vineyards throughout Valais.

At a wine tasting during their November meeting, the World Cup steering committee, chaired by Marius Robyr, had the privilege of selecting the new World Cup wines. The winners were the Petite Arvine/Grand Métral and the Syrah/Grand Métral. The wines were selected at Castel Uvrier, an exceptional venue for banquets, cocktail parties, private events and seminars, which is owned by Provins.  Managing director Michel Charbonnay welcomed everyone on behalf of Provins, thanking them for this new partnership with the Ski World Cup events. He was assisted by Kevin Vonlanthen, sales director for Switzerland, Luc Sermier, oenologist and cellar master, and Alexandre Robyr, sales manager for French-speaking Switzerland.

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Don't miss the opportunity to celebrate with the whole alpine skiing family the beginning of the exciting adventure that is the 2027 Ski World Championships.

SATURDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2023 - PLACE D'YCOOR

17.30 
Pat Burgener Showcase

18.00
Official ceremony and round table with Nicolas Féraud, President of the Municipality of Crans-Montana - Dr. Urs Lehmann, President of Swiss-Ski - Frédéric Favre, State Councillor and Didier Défago, CEO WC 2027

18.30
Revelation of the new visual identity

19h00
Public screening of the 2^nd round of the Killington giant slalom

And a special treat: free aperitif and raclette !

As is tradition, the Alpine Skiing World Cup starts this Saturday in Sölden. There are 45 races on the calendar for the Women's World Cup, which will be stopping off in Crans-Montana on 16, 17 and 18 February 2024 for two downhill races and a super-G.

Our ambassador Michelle Gisin is already looking forward to returning to the Haut-Plateau. The weekend of races in the Valais resort will be the highlight of her season.

Before the start of her winter, the skier from Engelberg talks about her goals.

Video (in French only): SkiActu

The traditional "Friends of the Crans-Montana World Cup" raclette, which was held for the 7th time at the “Bergerie du Cervin" restaurant in Vermala, was once again a success, providing a convivial prelude to the forthcoming 2023/24 World Cup season. The weekend of the annual women's classic in Crans-Montana on the Mont Lachaux piste will be a busy one, with three interesting speed races programmed: two downhills on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 February, and a super-G on Sunday 18 February.

Marius Robyr, president of the Crans-Montana Ski World Cup Race Organising Committee, presented the event to the many 'Friends' present with his usual enthusiasm and humour, detailing the programme of entertainment which includes a promising World Cup Party as a highlight, featuring Oesch's die Dritten and Die Fetzig'n from Zillertal/Austria. This will take place on Saturday evening in Le Régent Congress Centre sports centre. Ticket sales for both the races (grandstands in the finish area) and the concert will open on November 1 online via this site.

And of course there was a little folk music to accompany the delicious wood-fired raclette. The musicians ‘Les Amis de Sonville’ from Nendaz, added a special touch to the event. ‘Les Amis’ were once again the first to wear the latest Crans-Montana Ski World Cup hat. The 2024 version is multicoloured, featuring different colours that have featured in recent years.

The "Friends of the Crans-Montana World Cup" group currently has 385 members, and provides a united force to back the Organising Committee’s measures and initiatives, but it is also totally independent from it. Anyone wishing to join can register here.

Photos: Louis Coubès Production

After the surprise cancellation at the FIS autumn meeting last Friday of the brand-new women's team combined event due to be held in Crans-Montana, the disappointment didn’t last too long. The International Ski Federation accepted the request from the Valais resort’s organising committee, which was also supported by Swiss-Ski, for a compensatory race.

Peter Gerdol, director of the women's World Cup races, gave the go-ahead this Tuesday morning for the organisation of a second downhill race in Crans-Montana. The decision was made due to the organising committee's constant professionalism and, due in particular to the major improvements currently being made to the Mont Lachaux piste.

There will be a busy and appealing programme for the women's World Cup weekend in Crans-Montana. The two downhill races will take place on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 February, and a super G is programmed for Sunday 18 February. All three races will start at 10.30 am.

Saturday 17 February will be one of the busiest days as the traditional World Cup Party returns to the Régent Congress Centre. Pre-bookings for seats in the grandstands at the finish of the ski races and for the World Cup Party, featuring two renowned folk groups, will open online on November 1 via the official Crans-Montana World Cup website.

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The FIS has had to take a step back. After initially announcing that the first women's team combined event would be held in Crans-Montana, the body for international skiing has decided that it won’t be going ahead as planned. The rules will be reviewed and the new discipline will not be introduced until winter 2024-2025.

The FIS autumn meetings in Zurich are not proving easy for the World Cup race organisers. The first major decision was the cancellation of the very first team combined events, which were due to be held in Kitzbühel and Crans-Montana this winter.

This new discipline had been introduced on the initiative of the Athletes' Commission, in discussion with FIS officials, and the plan was to unite a downhill racer and slalom racer from the same nation, and their times in each heat would be added together. The problem however is that lots of competitors have complained of inequalities between nations, which do not necessarily all have enough speed or technical specialists to compete. The distribution of World Cup points (half the points of a classic race) didn’t appeal to everyone either. A proposal to mix athletes from different countries to create one team has not been accepted as yet.

The FIS has therefore decided to return to the drawing board, postponing the introduction of this new combined format until the 2024-2025 season. They must however act quickly, as the IOC has already agreed that the discipline should be included in the 2026 Olympic Games, subject of course to test events being held beforehand.

The first events, scheduled for Kitzbühel for the men and Crans-Montana for the women in 2024, have therefore been removed from the calendar. The Valais resort, which was delighted to be hosting a third race on Friday 16 February in addition to the downhill on Saturday 17 and the super G on Sunday 18, is hoping, in collaboration with Swiss-Ski, to be able to host another event in place of this combined event.

The traditional annual inspection by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) took place in Crans-Montana on Saturday August 26. With three women's World Cup events programmed for this winter and the 2027 World Championships on the horizon, the visit takes on additional importance this year. It was an opportunity to examine the Nationale and Mont Lachaux pistes, which have to meet exacting standards, and also check the infrastructure for the finish area and the organisation team for the World Championships.

Peter Gerdol, director of the FIS Women's Alpine Ski World Cup, led the inspection. Representatives from the local organising committee were present, notably the president Marius Robyr, the Swiss-French television station RTS, the host broadcaster for the events, the CMA ski lift company and Swiss-Ski. Particular attention on the day was focused on a variety of additional safety measures that have been introduced in recent months on the Mont Lachaux piste, as well as positions for television cameras, the execution of various jumps on the piste, organisation of the start and finish sites, and hospitality and accommodation for the teams, which will increase significantly due to the additional presence of the slalom racers and their escorts.

There was a good cooperative spirit for the event, the aim being to once again organise high-quality races in Crans-Montana. Peter Gerdol, the FIS Women's Race Director, was satisfied: "The local organising committee, led by Marius Robyr, is once again on the right track with the preparations." He also welcomed the participation of Didier Défago, managing director of the World Championships, who, along with his deputy Daniel Bollinger, is actively working to ensure the many preparations for the World Championships continue to advance in all areas.

But before 2027, it's worth remembering that the 2023-2024 programme of races in Crans-Montana is packed. It will begin with two women's European Cup downhills on 10 and 11 February 2024. A week later, the traditional caravan for the Women's World Cup will be stopping off on the Haut-Plateau (16-18 February 2024), with not only a downhill and a super-G, but also a team combined event, a new event which has been added to the FIS calendar for the coming winter.

For the Crans-Montana organising committee and their president, Marius Robyr, it is a great honour to host the first women's World Cup event in this new discipline, which will be on the programme in future World Championships and Olympic Games. As a result, Valais will be welcoming not only the world's top speed specialists, but also the world's top female slalom racers. A few weeks beforehand, the first men’s competition of this type will take place at the Hahnenkamm races in Kitzbühel.

The way the event works is that two competitors from the same nation form a team. Each skier takes part in one of the two races, downhill or slalom, and their times are added together to form the rankings. The number of teams a nation can enter depends on its national quota of participants in the downhill. Around thirty teams are expected to be taking part in the competition in Crans-Montana. - Photos: DEPREZphoto sa, cransmontana/Louis Coubés - Video: SkiActu

Photo caption of participants at the FIS 2023 inspection in Crans-Montana

From left, standing: Julien Baszanger (TV RTS), Aurélien Vallotton (RTS), Alice Dumas (RTS), Charlie Hofmann (RTS), Peter Gerdol (FIS), Stéphane Robyr (O.C. Crans-Montana), Marius Robyr (O.C.), Patrice Morisod (O.C.), Alberto Senigagliesi (FIS), Bertrand Cassignol (CMA), Hans Flatscher (Swiss-Ski), Didier Défago (O.C. WC Crans-Montana 2027) and Hugo Steinegger (O.C.). From left, kneeling: Osi Inglin (Swiss-Ski), Franz Hofer (Swiss-Ski), Jean-Philippe Vulliet (O.C.) and Hannes Hofer (Swiss-Ski).

As announced at the end of last week, there will be not two but three World Cup races in Crans-Montana next winter, including the first ever women's  team combinedin history - a new event that the athletes are already looking forward to.

Our ambassador Michelle Gisin, who was in Crans-Montana playing golf a few days ago, is already looking forward to taking part in this new competition. She will go down in history as the last women's Olympic champion in the traditional combined event, and has yet to decide whether she will take part in the downhill or the slalom.

"I love the downhill piste as much as I love the slalom one in Crans-Montana. It's going to be difficult to choose," says the skier from Obwalden, who will be taking part in all the events on the Mont Lachaux piste between 16 and 18 February 2024 in the Valais resort.

Photo: Swiss-Ski/Video (in French only): SkiActu

The event will bring together a female downhill skier and a slalom skier, and will make its World Cup debut on 16 February on the legendary Mont Lachaux piste.

It's been in the pipeline for a few weeks, and has now been confirmed. The first women's World Cup team combined event will take place in Crans-Montana just a few weeks after the first men's event in Kitzbühel. This means that next winter, the Haut-Plateau resort will be hosting not just the world's best downhill and super-giant slalom skiers, but also the top women's slalom racers.

“We're very proud”, says Marius Robyr, chairman of the Organising Committee. “We're honoured that the FIS has chosen Crans-Montana as the venue for this premiere, showing its confidence in us. For our part, we spontaneously accepted the proposal, although we know that there will be costs and additional work required. We'll be ready though.” The race will take place on Friday 16 February.

In practical terms, two athletes from each nation will team up, each competitor will take part in one of the heats. Their times will be added together to establish a ranking. In order to determine the number of teams taking part, the FIS has decided to use the national quotas for the downhill. This means that in the best-case scenario, Switzerland could field 9 teams in 2024, comprising of 9 downhill skiers and the same number of slalom competitors. Around forty teams are expected to take part.

The idea came from the athletes

To make the event more attractive, World Cup points will be awarded to participants, to be shared between them. A win will therefore see 50 points awarded to each athlete on the winning team. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) was not happy with the image presented at the last Olympic Alpine Combined in Beijing," explains Peter Gerdol, director of the Women's World Cup. “They asked us to do something new and different. The idea predominantly came from the competitors. They were the ones who suggested this new format.”

The format has already been successfully tested at the last Junior World Championships in St. Anton. "I think it could be a very interesting and even a very tactical format, and I'm looking forward to it," says our versatile ambassador Michelle Gisin, who has yet to decide whether she will compete in the downhill or the slalom.

The OIC for its part has already confirmed that the team combined event will be on the programme for the next Olympic Games in 2026. It will also be on the programme during the World Championships in Saalbach in 2025 and, we hope, in Crans-Montana in 2027," confirms Peter Gerdol. “We’ve yet to see the initial feedback, but for the time being, it's positive.” The expert was in Valais this week to sort out final details with an FIS delegation. It was confirmed that all of the spectacular downhill and slalom pistes in the resort would be used.

The rest of the programme in Crans-Montana has also been confirmed. There will be a downhill on Saturday 17 February, and a super-G on Sunday 18. Downhill training on the Mont Lachaux piste is scheduled for Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 February. The European Cup will be stopping off on the Haut-Plateau between 8 and 11 February 2024.

Photo/Video: SkiActu