Corinne Suter and Malorie Blanc lead the way on the Mont Lachaux slope

In recent seasons, the Haut-Plateau has taken on the look of a Swiss stronghold. Since 2018, with the exception of the 2023 edition, at least one Swiss skier has reached the podium at every stop of the women’s World Cup in Crans-Montana. Wendy Holdener, Corinne Suter, Jasmine Flury and Priska Ming-Nufer have all left their mark here, not forgetting Lara Gut-Behrami. The skier from Ticino has claimed six podium finishes on this slope, including four victories, the most recent in 2024 in the downhill, during the last women’s World Cup visit to the Valais resort.

This time, the two-time overall Crystal Globe winner will be absent due to injury. However, the rest of the red-and-white squad will be well represented. Eight Swiss skiers will take the start on Friday 30 and Saturday 31 February, with a downhill and a super-G on the programme, both promising to be closely contested.

Headlining the field is Corinne Suter. The reigning Olympic downhill champion enjoys the Mont Lachaux slope, even if a victory there is still missing from her record. With three podiums in Valais, the skier from Schwyz, returning from injury, arrives as an experienced leader, determined to take another step forward as the Olympic Games approach.

Final preparations before Cortina

Alongside her, Malorie Blanc is drawing all local attention. An ambassador for the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships Crans-Montana 2027, the skier from Ayent will be able to count on the support of an entire canton. Two years after being injured on this same slope during a European Cup race, the Valais skier is now the country’s leading speed specialist and hopes to turn this home event into a highlight of her season.

Selected for the Olympic Games, Janine Schmitt, Jasmine Flury and Delia Durrer will also be keen to make an impression before heading to Italy. They will be looking to score points with the coaches, as only four skiers can start each Olympic race in Cortina d’Ampezzo. The Swiss team will be completed by Jasmina Suter, Joana Hählen and Priska Ming-Nufer, three skiers who have already proven their affinity with Crans-Montana. All of them have already finished in the top six on the Haut-Plateau slope, proof that the Valais slope can still deliver pleasant surprises.

Tickets still available

The spectacle promises to be impressive, and the grandstands are ready to fill up. Tickets are still available for both women’s races. A perfect opportunity to come and support the world’s best skiers, and above all the Swiss team, at home.

Programme

Wednesday 28 January: women’s downhill training
Thursday 29 January: women’s downhill training
Friday 30 January: women’s downhill (10:00) and men’s downhill training
Saturday 31 January: women’s super-G (11:00) and men’s downhill training
Sunday 1 February: men’s downhill (11:00)

Photo: Deprez Photo