The Nationale slope analysed by Delphine Darbellay

The Nationale slope is a legendary one. Host to the 1987 World Championships, it notably crowned Peter Müller and Pirmin Zurbriggen. Even if it is not necessarily the most demanding on the circuit, the Valais layout is long, almost two minutes of racing, and varied. It offers a downhill that most athletes enjoy and will undoubtedly reward the most complete speed specialist at next year’s World Championships.

The first challenge for the athletes is simply reaching the start of this iconic race. To do so, they take one gondola lift followed by two chairlifts, before arriving at the top of Bella Lui. Once through the start gate, the Bella Lui camber immediately comes into play. “It’s quite flat and it’s important to build speed,” explains Delphine Darbellay, who analysed the layout during inspection. “You really have to let the skis run.”

“You’ll need to ski with finesse”

“There are quite a few blind gates,” adds the Valais skier, team event world silver medallist in Saalbach. Then comes the first technical section of the slope. “At the first jump, at Cry d’Er, a lot of people slow down to find the right direction. It’s very important on jumps, especially when the line is hidden.” This is followed by a section combining turns and gliding. “You’ll need to ski with finesse,” adds the skier from La Fouly.

Next comes the Houlès flat. “It’s a very flat section, you really have to make yourself as small as possible to generate maximum speed,” explains Delphine Darbellay. “Seconds are precious there.” In the Mélèzes wall and the forest bumps, she highlights a zone she particularly likes. “There will be a lot of speed, but the skiers will be able to enjoy themselves in these big turns.” Course inspection plays a crucial role, she reminds us. “It’s essential to deliver a good race.”

Before reaching the finish area, there is still a jump and a traverse, then the famous final wall of a run lasting close to two minutes. “It’s a beautiful slope, not necessarily the hardest for the men compared to Kitzbühel or Bormio, but full of variety,” concluded the team event world silver medallist from Saalbach 2025.

Link to the video