16.02.2024

Support from the army remains essential

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.