23.02.2025

Luca Aerni, the Local Forerunner

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The Barzettes Ski Club athlete took on the role of forerunner in front of his home crowd during the super-G in Crans-Montana. A giant slalom and slalom specialist with a taste for speed, Luca Aerni relished the experience.

He didn’t wear a race bib—just an F2 designation—but Luca Aerni was very much at the start gate of the super-G in Crans-Montana this Sunday. The Barzettes Ski Club athlete charged down the Nationale slope as a forerunner, earning a warm reception from the thousands of fans gathered in the finish stadium.

"It’s heartwarming to be a forerunner here, at home. I’ve been looking forward to this moment all week," said the local favorite, who had already skied alongside World Cup athletes in 2012, the last time the men’s White Circus visited the Valais resort—just months before he made his own debut among the elite.

Helping Marco Odermatt and Alexis Monney

"Speed is fun. I had a blast, but it was definitely a challenge because I lack experience in this discipline," Aerni admitted with a smile, explaining that he missed a gate during his run. "That actually helped the Swiss guys realize they shouldn’t take that section too directly." Marco Odermatt and Alexis Monney, who secured a Swiss one-two finish in the race, can thank their compatriot for the insight.

It’s no coincidence that the Swiss-Bernese skier found himself in a speed event. "I’ve always enjoyed downhill," said Aerni, who was crowned world champion in the alpine combined in St. Moritz 2017. However, there’s still a long way to go before he can compete alongside Franjo von Allmen and company. "I think I’ve fallen a bit behind. With such a strong Swiss speed team, there aren’t many spots left. So, it’s not a medium-term goal, but I do train for it regularly."

Shining in 2027

For now, Aerni remains focused on the technical disciplines. "I finally have two events," he said with a grin. The slalom specialist has transformed into a strong giant slalom racer this season, delivering some of his best results, including a 4th place finish in Val d’Isère. "I’ll continue to split my efforts—50% in giant slalom and 50% in slalom," he confirmed.

His ultimate goal? Competing at the Ski World Championships Crans-Montana 2027. "I still need to qualify," he reminded. "It’s still far off, but of course, my dream is to race at home—and to shine."